Progressive Legislation Ch. 11 Section 2 Progressive Legislation
Triangle Shirtwaist Co. Fire March 25, 1911 10 story building Mostly Jewish and Italian girls Fire escape collapsed Nets fail Doors were locked to keep unions out Girls jump to their deaths with clothes afire
Triangle Shirtwaist Co. Fire *Reaction: -NY passes laws you must be 14 yr. old or older to work. -must have sprinklers in buildings -working fire escapes are mandatory
Expanded Role for Government Social welfare programs: govt. programs to help ensure a minimum standard of living. Unemployment benefits Accident and health insurance Social security for disabled and elderly
Municipal Reforms Municipal: city level -attack city bosses -want merit based jobs not on favors -take over public utilities like water, sewer, electric and gas
Hazen Pingree Reform mayor from Detroit Begins work relief Public baths parks
State Reforms Passed laws to increase government involvement in business and social welfare. Direct primary: citizens select the candidates for elections.-Robert LaFollette reform governor of Wisconsin
State Reforms Initiative: citizens propose a new law and put it on the ballot. Referendum: citizens approve or reject a law passed by the legislation. Recall: voters can remove an elected official.
Reforms in the Workplace Age and hour restrictions passed. The Supreme Court ruled that states can pass laws to protect workers if it is proven it’s good for workers’ health. How do businesses bypass these laws today? Bangladesh Factory Collapse
Robert LaFollette Reform governor of Wisconsin “Fighting Bob” Ousts party bosses
Federal Reform Teddy Roosevelt’s “Square Deal” for the American people “bully pulpit”-a strong president can push moral causes through
Teddy Roosevelt -strike continues as winter approached Coal Miners Strike-1902 -owners refuse to talk with union leaders -strike continues as winter approached -tries to negotiate a deal—no luck -insists that both sides submit to arbitration or use the army to seize and operate the mines
Teddy Roosevelt Coal Mine Strike 1902 -Arbitrators decision: 1. coal miners receive 10% raise 2. 9 hour work day (from a 10) 3. can’t go on strike for 3 years *Both sides received a “square deal”.
Teddy Roosevelt Railroad regulation-give the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) strength to limit rates. Public health -Pure Food and Drug Act requires accurate labeling of ingredients -Meat Inspection Act sets strict sanitary conditions and a rating system for meats.
Teddy Roosevelt Protecting the Environment -set aside 200 million acres
Progressive Amendments -16th Amendment-graduated income tax-1913 -17th Amendment-direct election of senators-1913 -18th Amendment-bans alcohol PROHIBITION-1919 19th Amendment Grants Women Suffrage-1920
How Far Have We Come? Wealth Distribution