The Roots of Progressivism Chapter 8 - Section 1 The Roots of Progressivism

The Rise of Progressivism Major Cause: Our government backed off of businesses and let them do as they pleased… What problems resulted? Progressivism was an attempt to fix the wrongs occurring in society.

Who were the Progressives? Most Participants were: Urban Educated Middle class citizens Their Beliefs: Gov’t needed to take a larger role in society Strong faith in science and technology Focused on social, economic, & political reform

The Muckrackers Journalists that investigated social conditions and political corruption. Printed stories in cheap newspapers. Jacob Riis was one of the most famous Published photos and descriptions of the poverty, disease, and crime in his book How the Other Half Lives Made Americans aware of the problems they could not see.

Muckraker Images

Muckraker Images

Muckraker Images

Muckraker Images

Homework: Think like a Progressive Think about society today – what is wrong? Generate a list of 5 things that need to be fixed in society / politics / economy today. Explain a possible solution to help correct each issue.

Reforming Government Before 1903 candidates for office were nominated by a few delegates (representatives from a political party) This led to corruption as the delegates would only nominate candidates that would give them things (bribes). This also made it difficult for outsiders to get nominated to represent their party

Reforming Government Progressives fought for change Direct Primaries – ALL party members could vote for a candidate to run in the general election. example: Everybody that was a registered democrat could now vote for their choice to represent the democratic party in an election

Reforming Government Progressives also fought for other reforms to reduce corruption in the political system: INITIATIVE– permits citizens to introduce legislation to get placed on a ballot for vote . This is done through a petition (lots of signatures) Once on a ballot, the general public gets to vote on its acceptance. Ex. 1976 - “Bottle Bill” - 10¢ return

Reforming Government REFERENDUM– Allows citizens to vote on legislation instead of the representatives. Typically used with Amendments to State Constitutions and with local bonds (as with schools) This is different from an initiative in that the people don’t originate the measure they are voting on.

Reforming Government RECALL– Provides voters an option to remove an elected official from office before his or her term expired. All three of these (initiative, referendum, and recall) were solutions by progressives to clean up the corruption in local and state governments.

Direct Election of Senators Originally the Constitution was written to allow the state legislature to elect two senators to congress. Political machines often influenced these elections (corruption) 17th Amendment to the US Constitution! Direct Election of Senators to be done by the people, NOT by party bosses in the legislature and businesses leaders.

Reforming Society CHILD LABOR Industrialization moved kids from farm work to factory work Owners liked kids: more manageable, cheaper, and less likely to strike Kids worked 10 hour days for 60 cents Their work permanently bent their backs and hands Called for free public education for all kids

Reforming Society Health & Safety Codes Progressives pushed for payment if you are hurt/killed on the job Zoning laws – sectioned off cities Building Codes – air, sanitation, size, fire escapes Health Codes - restaurants Lochner v. New York (1905) Sup. Ct. said that it was unconstitutional to limit the working day to 10 hours. The state has no right interfering with the liberty of bosses and workers. Muller v. Oregon (1908) Sup. Ct. upheld the states decision to limit the working hrs. of women – healthy mothers are essential to protect the citizens

The Triangle Shirtwaist Co. The top three stories of a ten story building Employed 500 immigrant workers Employees: 12-14 years old 14 hour shifts = 60 – 72 hour work weeks $7.00 / week (1911) = $150.00 / week (2006) Typical Conditions: Fabric stored all throughout the building Scraps of material covered the floors Smoking was common – Gas lighting used No fire extinguishers present

The Triangle Shirtwaist Co. March 25, 1911 A fire broke out on the 8th floor Word reached the 10th floor – but missed the 9th The 9th floor had only two doors One that was engulfed in flames and smoke The other was LOCKED so workers couldn’t steal, take breaks, or meet with union reps. Women began to panic and flee: The fire escape was flimsy and broke off the wall The elevator shafts stopped working This left one other option…

The Triangle Shirtwaist Co. Women jumped to their deaths Down the elevator shafts Out onto the streets Firefighters didn’t have ladders past 6th floor Falling bodies made it hard for anyone to get close Death Toll = 148 The owners of the company were prosecuted Families won $75.00 for deceased victims

Reforming Society The Prohibition Movement The Temperance Movement Progressives blamed many problems on alcohol Rent /Food money poorly spent Often created physical violence and sickness The Temperance Movement Urging people to STOP or MODERATE alcohol Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) Prohibition Laws completely banning the sale, manufacturing, and consumption of alcohol

Reforming Society Progressives v. Big Business Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) Breaking up business / monopolies to re-establish competition Socialist Society Gov’t will own and operate industry for the community to protect and create equality Eugene V. Debs – Am. Socialist Party 1 912 Presidential Candidate

SUFFRAGE VOTING RIGHTS (Woman)

Suffrage = The Right to Vote 14th Amendment gave A.A. citizenship 15th Amendment gave A.A. men voting rights The fight for women’s suffrage split in two: Nat’l Woman Suffrage Assoc. Elizabeth Cady Stanton Susan B. Anthony Focused on passing a constitutional amendment to give women the right to vote. Am. Woman Suffrage Assoc. Lucy Stone Julia Ward Howe Focused on gaining voting rights for women at the state level.

National American Woman Suffrage Association NAWSA formed in 1890 when the two groups came together Carrie Chapman Catt - NAWSA Lobbied lawmakers Gave speeches on corners DISCUSSIONS with President - Old School….”Proper Women” - “Patience, Our time will come…”

National Woman’s Party Membership grew in NAWSA b/c women wanted to pass labor laws protecting women National Woman’s Party (NWP) 1913 Alice Paul (broke away from NAWSA) Civil Disobedience - Activist - Picket White House Chained to lampposts (Will go to jail for cause) Hunger strikes if arrested “We demand Suffrage”

Women’s Suffrage 19th Amendment passed in 1920 Granted women the right to vote NOTE: after WWI -women helped with war-