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Table of Contents

Agenda & Objective

The Progressive Reform Era (1890-1920)

How did the Progressive Era begin in the 1890s? The United States “prided itself in being a nation of progress and prosperity” A series of revelations about _____________________, ___________________, and ______________________, etc. led to reforms in the early 20th century. Early reform groups, such as the Populists, inspired new reformers. Many people started to believe that charitable groups alone (settlement houses, social gospel work, etc.) could not fix society’s problems and thus, the Progressive Reform Era was born.

What were the goals of the Progressives? Government should be more accountable to its citizens. Government should curb the power and influence of wealthy interests. Government should be given expanded powers to allow it to improve the lives of citizens (through social welfare programs, taking over utility services, etc.) Government should be more efficient and less corrupt so that they may effectively fulfill their duties.

Who were the Progressives? The “Progressives” as they called themselves were not a single unified group, nor did they all share the same beliefs. Democrats and Republicans alike called themselves Progressives. Their attempts to improve society can be categorized into four main areas: - social -political - moral -economic

Who were the Muckrakers and how did they contribute to Progressive Era Reforms? Journalists (like Upton Sinclair, Lincoln Steffens, Ida Tarbell, Jacob Riss) who alerted the public about problems and scandals. President Theodore Roosevelt said that if Upton Sinclair’s claims be true, he would attempt to clean up the meat industry. As a result, TR’s Congress passed the Meat Inspection Act and created the Pure Food and Drug Act. T.R., however, condemned muckrakers who made a living off of exaggerated or falsified journalism.

What are some specific examples of how the Muckrakers contributed to society? - Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle (1906) - Lincoln Steffens’ _____________________ (1904) exposed political corruption in big cities like St. Louis. - Ida Tarbells’ The History of the Standard Oil Company (1904) revealed the abuses committed by the Standard Oil Trust. - Jacob Riis’ How the Other Half Lives

Sinclair’s The Jungle

Riis’ How the Other Half Lives

Tarbell

Important Women of the Progressive Era… Ida Tarbell- Jane Addams-

Important Women of the Progressive Era… Florence Kelly “Mother” Mary Jones labor reformer who helped limit child labor, work hours, and improve sweatshop labor conditions. Also, worked in the National Consumer’s League. organized labor unions (Knights of Labor) and part-founder of the IWW (International Workers of the World)

Important Men of the Progressive Era… President Theodore Roosevelt Senator Robert M. LaFollette

What were the effects of the Progressive Era? Societal reforms (prohibition, women’s suffrage, etc.) Legislation was passed and amendments were ratified. Shift towards _________ beliefs (public/government control of property and income, more equal distribution of wealth, etc.) State level electoral reforms (initiative, referendum, recall) Formation of labor organizations, unions, etc. such as the American Federation of Labor. Women also played a very active role in forming organizations and pushing for reform. (i.e. The International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union, the National Consumers League, and National Women’s Trade Union League.