Warm-up: List as many problems or issues that occurred during the industrialization, immigration and urbanization period that you can think of.

Progressive Era Drive for Reform

Origins of Progressive Movement Rapid industrialization, immigration and urbanization in the late 1800s led to national growth and prosperity. The rapid growth also caused poverty, unemployment, deplorable working conditions and political corruption. Many believed that political action and reform, not private charities, were the methods to bring about progress in society.

Populists Many of the issues the Populists (who were mostly farmers) wanted to address became the foundation for the Progressive reformers Progressive income tax Government ownership of communications & transportation Supported an 8 hour work day Supported a united front for African American and white farmers Not on the Progressive agenda Free coinage of silver would raise crop prices

Who Were The Progressives The Progressives were reformers who were mainly from the middle class…unlike the Populists who were mainly farmers Progressives believed that honest and efficient government could bring about social justice. They wanted to end corruption. They tried to make government more responsive to people’s needs. They believed that educated leaders should use modern ideas and scientific techniques to improve society

Progressive Targets Targeted a variety of issues and problems: Corrupt political machines Trusts and monopolies Inequities Child labor Safety City services Women’s suffrage (vote)

Muckrakers Muckrakers were authors, novelists & reporters who used investigative reporting to uncover and dramatize societal ills. Lincoln Steffens – The Shame of the Cities Jacob Riis – How the Other Half Lived Ida Tarbell – The History of Standard Oil John Spargo – The Bitter Cry of the Children Upton Sinclair – The Jungle Theodore Dreiser – Sister Carrie Frank Norris – The Octopus