The Progressive Era

The Rise of Progressivism Rapid growth of cities and industry during the Industrial Age created many problems within society Corruption in government Large gap between the rich and poor Social and political reform movements organized to solve these problems Became known as Progressivism

Progressive Reformer Goals Promote social welfare Reformers wanted to help the poor, the unemployed, immigrants and workers Expand democracy Wanted to give citizens more voice in government Create economic reform Wanted to limit the power of corporations, trusts, and monopolies

Muckrakers Muckraker: nickname given to journalists who exposed corruption in American society. Their articles fueled public demand for reform (change)

Government Reform Patronage: when government officials hand out jobs in exchange for political support Progressives wanted jobs to go to workers who were qualified for them Pendleton Civil Service Act, 1883 Required candidates to pass exams for some government jobs Prevented officials from firing workers for political reasons

Expanding Democracy Direct Primary – election that allows voters to choose candidates for public office This makes public officials more accountable to the people Other Reforms: Initiative - voters may directly propose laws Referendum - voters can approve proposed laws Recall - Elected officials can be voted out of office

Creating Economic Reform By the late 1800s, business leaders in some major industries formed trusts (e.g. Standard Oil Trust) Progressive reformers wanted to limit the power of big businesses and regulate activities Sherman Antitrust Act, 1890 Made it illegal for corporations to seize control of an industry by creating a trust The law was not enforced by government at first, a strong president was needed

Roosevelt’s Square Deal Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901 after William McKinley was assassinated He became known for fighting corruption in politics His progressive policies became known as the “Square Deal”

He began reforming by enforcing the Sherman Antitrust Act Roosevelt felt government’s purpose was to ensure fairness or a “square deal” for all citizens He began reforming by enforcing the Sherman Antitrust Act Successfully dissolved the Standard Oil Company, and other trusts (e.g. railroad and tobacco trusts)