8-3: Wilsonian Progressivism 1912-1920

Thematic Learning Objectives WXT 2.0 Explain how patterns of exchange, markets, and private enterprise have developed, and analyze ways that governments have responded to economic issues. WXT 3.0 Analyze how technological innovation has affected economic development and society. POL 2.0 Explain how popular movements, reform efforts, and activist groups have sought to change American society and institutions. POL 3.0 Explain how different beliefs about the federal government’s role in U.S. social and economic life have affected political debates and policies. GEO 1.0 Explain how geographic and environmental factors shaped the development of various communities, and analyze how competition for and debates over natural resources have affected both interactions among different groups and the development of government policies. CUL 3.0 Explain how ideas about women’s rights and gender roles have affected society and politics.

Key Concept Growth expanded opportunity, while economic instability led to new efforts to reform U.S. society and its economic system.

Wilson’s Progressive Program “New Freedom” Vigorous reforms Assault on tariffs, banks, and trusts Big business immoral—break up rather than regulate Tariff Reduction Less fear of foreign competition Income Tax

Wilson’s Progressive Program Banking Reform Federal Reserve Board created Central banking structure Regulates money in circulation Adjusts interest rates Federal Reserve notes backed by commercial paper and gold Currency would expand and contract with the volume of business activity

Wilson’s Progressive Program Business Regulation Clayton Anti-trust Act No investments in competing corporations Outlawed price-fixing Exempted unions Federal Trade Commission Prevents unfair business practices Keating-Owens Act Child labor laws

African Americans in the Progressive Era Two Approaches Booker T. Washington—Economics Seek economic opportunities Accommodation to white society Self-help and industrial education W.E.B. DuBois—Civil Rights Full political and social equality Focus on integration rather than separatism Development of “talented tenth” Civil Rights Organizations Niagara Movement and NAACP Use of courts to achieve equality

African Americans in the Progressive Era Resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan The Birth of a Nation--depicted as heroic Favored white supremacy and immigration restriction Outcome Civil rights not a part of progressivism Wilson segregated executive branch

Women, Suffrage, and Progressivism The Campaign for Women’s Suffrage Strong leadership (Anthony, Paul) State gains 19th Amendment (1920) Other Issues Family Parents more supportive, less authoritative Public aid to mothers in some states Work Most women still worked in the home

Assessing the Progressive Era Weaknesses and Disappearance Material progress weakened zeal Courts struck down legislation Continued business influence Outbreak of World War I Heritage Trust-busting Role of government to act for the people’s welfare (“modern” president) Regulation instead of laissez-faire