Reforming America The Origins of the Progressive Movement
Bill Clinton: 'New era of progressive politics' What is a Progressive? Can you think of some topic in today’s news that would be the target of a progressive movement??
OBJECTIVES: 1. Causes of the Progressive Movement 2. Analyze the role Journalists played in the Progressive Movement 3. What were some of the social reforms 4. What were some of the political reforms
Who were the progressives? Progressive leaders emerged from every walk of life including the poor, the middle, and the wealthy that was acting for the good of society. These people believed that industrialization and urbanization had created terrible social and political problems.
So who do they target to improve society? The progressive movement sought to use modern ideas to improve society. They realized that if they wanted society to improve, they would have to get help from the government. The laissez-faire attitude of the government would have to end.
What issues were they seeking to rectify? Political Issues Many city officials used bribery and violence to influence elections. Many city workers “looked the other way” at political corruption. Women were rallying for the right to vote.
What issues were they seeking to rectify? Social Issues In the cities, poor living conditions were normal. Many progressives sought welfare laws to help children. Progressives also wanted gov’t regulations to help the working man and consumers.
What issues were they seeking to rectify? Economic Issues Big business began to limit competition and raise prices. Progressives also looked for better working conditions and higher wages for workers.
Who are the muckrakers? Muckrakers were writers that exposed the problems that were going on. They dramatized these issues to make everyone take notice to the plights of Americans. They often defended the downtrodden and needy.
The Jungle; Upton Sinclair
The Progressives Fight Back Community centers, known as Settlement Houses, provide social services to the poor. Jane Addams leads the way in Chicago by creating Hull House.
Settlement Houses Jane Addams
Social Reforms
Improving Education and Protecting Children A lawyer named Florence Kelley leads the way to ban child labor. She would pave the way for the Children’s Bureau. Progressives also led the way for children’s education. Educator John Dewey led the fight for children to have overall educations, not just skilled labor training.
Helping the Industrial Workers After a serious fire kills 146 workers in NY, Progressives called for safety reforms. Many states adopt worker compensation laws, safer working conditions, and shorter work days.
Progressives reform Government Progressive Robert La Follette establishes a direct primary, in which, the citizens can vote directly for a candidate instead of a party leader. Progressives also fought for 3 other changes: –The initiative allowed citizens to put a question on a ballot to be voted on by the people. –The referendum allows citizens to vote on or reject laws. –The recall allows citizens to remove a public official before their terms end.
Progressives seize power The Progressive movement becomes so popular that leaders of the party become governors. Leader such as Robert La Follette, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson lead the way.
Sweatshops Today? Department of Labor: –Over 50% of U.S. garment factories are sweatshops. NY,Ca, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta –Nike, Gap
Garment Sales controlled by: 5 corporations: –Wal-Mart –JC Penney –Sears –May Company: Lord & Taylor, Hechts –Federated Dept Stores: Macy, Steins, Bloomingdales
Women’s groups during Progressive Movement Change in Women’s roles in society Workers’ rights and family life 19 th Amendment
Progressive Women Susan B. Anthony : 1 st to vote in 1872 WCTU: Women’s Christian Temperance Movement: –Led to 18 th Amendment: Prohibition –Jane Adams: Settlement Houses
More Changes – state level, – minimum wage laws for women workers, industrial accident insurance, restricted child labor, factory regulation
National Changes laws establishing federal regulation of meat-packing, –Drug – railroad industries – anti-trust laws. – lowered the tariff, – legislation to improve working condition
Progressive changes local level, – expand high schools, – construct playgrounds, – municipal government.
Constitutional Amendments Amendment 16: income tax (1913) Amendment 17: direct election of senators, Amendment 18: Prohibition (1919) Amendment 19: Women’s Suffrage (1920)