The Contradictions of the Progressive Era
The Contradiction Most progressives were WASP Reformers who were indifferent to minorities −They wanted everyone to follow the white-middle class way of life −A type of Social Control −Americanization: the belief that assimilating immigrants into American society would make them more loyal citizens Dress like them, speak English only, replace the foods & customs of their homeland
Racism Limits the ultimate goals Many Progressives were prejudice of non-whites Some people more fit then others to be leaders Social Darwinism −They agreed with laws that kept A.A. from voting −“They must accept in the white man’s country the place assigned to them by the white man.” Segregation was rampant and supported by govt. African Americans would not be denied Booker T. Washington, visible African American leader urged patience While others like W.E.B. Du Bois & William Monroe Trotter urged AA to demand the rights guaranteed by the constitution immediately
Niagara Movement Du Bois & Trotter got together and formed a movement to combat segregation and give AA the right to vote. The Niagara Movement: that met in Canada because not hotel along the border would room them Despite their bold ideas this movement never grew bigger than a few hundred strong Denounced Waiting around Wanted equal education So that AA could think for themselves.
Organizations Form to Fight for Equal Rights Springfield riots cause progressives to re- examine their views They acknowledge the following −The need to help AA protect their lives −Win the right to vote −Secure civil rights 1909 the got together with the leaders of the Niagara movement to form the NAACP The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People −Help AA be free physically from abuse, ignorance, insult, and politically free to have a voice −White & Black Progressives: Jane Addans, Florence Kelley, Ida B. Wells, & Ray Stunnard Baker −Use the court to challenge unfair laws −Equal access to housing & careers
Urban League NAACP helped middle class black struggle for justice The Urban League was formed A network of churches & clubs that set up employment agencies & relief efforts for AA in the cities −Focused on poorer workers −Helped families buy cloths, food, and send children to school −Helped maids & factory workers find jobs. Both the NAACP & The Urban League still aide African Americans Today
Problems Faced By Other Minorities Jews in New York fought for their rights & formed groups to aide Jewish families The Anti-Defamation League 1913: main goal was and is to defend Jews & others to secure justice and fair treatment for all citizens alike. Mexican Americans formed their own organizations −PLM: Partido Liberal Mexicano −Mutualistas: groups that made loans, provided legal assistance, & insurance if you were to sick to work Octaviano Larrazolo: Progressive Governor of New Mexico Protected latinos from discrimination Favored bilingual education Rights for women
Asian Americans Fight Unfair Laws 1913 California law said that only American citizens could own land Japanese immigrants were not allowed to become citizens, so they could not own land Takao Ozawa fought the law that denied him citizenship but the Supreme Court ruled against him in 1922 Welcome to America!
Problems Faced By Other Minorities Cont. Many Mexican Americans were forced into unfair labor contracts that kept them indebt to those they worked for 1911 Supreme Court outlawed these contracts Native Americans were just as ignored −Dawes Act: allowed their land to be sold away −Carlos Montezuma, a Native American from Arizona helped establish The Society of American Indians to protest federal Indian policy Preserve their culture Build their own lives Avoid being dependent On govt.