The Progressive Era Introduction

What was the Gilded Age? Term used by Mark Twain to describe American society at the end of the 1800s – Wealth and prosperity for those on top – Poverty and hard times for people at the bottom

Bright and Shiny Things Skyscrapers began to emerge thanks to 2 important inventions – Bessemer steel process – Elevators

And then not so bright

Progressive What does the word progressive mean?

Progressive progressive To promote change

The Progressive Movement Emerged in the 1980s Believed industrialization, immigration, and urbanization created many social and political problems Wanted to bring about reforms that would correct these problems and injustices Goals: – Social Welfare – Moral Improvement – Economic Reform – Political Reform

The “Muckrakers” Journalists who dramatized the need for reform. – Their sensational investigative reports uncovered a wide range of problems in America. Important Muckrakers – Lincoln Steffens = political corruption – Jacob Riis = urban life – Ida Tarbell = monopolies (Rockefeller)

Muckraker Cartoons

Social and Moral Welfare Social Gospel= Follow the Bible’s teachings to make society better Settlement House Movement – Community centers for immigrants and workers – English classes, soup kitchens, etc. – Hull House in Chicago = Founded by Jane Addams YMCA and Salvation Army Prohibition – Ban on alcohol – Supported by women Why?

Prohibition

Gilded Age ProblemsPossible Solutions