The Progressive Movement

Learning Objective Explain the origins and the problems the Progressive movement sought to change

Problems facing the U.S. at the turn of the Century 1) Trusts –Namely Standard Oil, J.P Morgan and his consolidated businesses, especially U.S. Steel in ) Reliance on big business/Corporations for consumer goods –Urban consumers were getting their food, relying on “patent medicines” –All consumers are struggling with inflation - blamed on the monopolies

Problems facing the U.S. at the turn of the Century 3) Lost of faith in Government –Political machines running government, government was being ran for profit instead of public interest 4) Farmers, Blacks, and Women –Farmers: credit was in short supply, amenities far behind urban life –Blacks: Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) established legal segregation as long as it was equal (supposely); lynched, discrimation all over America –Women: more women going to college, but jobs and haven’t changed, and women can’t vote

Problems facing the U.S. at the turn of the Century 5) plight of workers, immigrants, and slum dwellers –Horrible living and working conditions 6) Environment –No regard for environment - just “exploit the resources” attitude

Who were the Progressives? Typically, white, middle class professionals who wanted to solve America’s problems

Development of the Muckrakers People who exposed problems and corruption to Public eyes through expose journalism –Lincoln Steffens - The Shame of the Cities (City gov.t) –Ida Tarbell - History of the Standard Oil Company (Rockefeller’s Business practices) –Upton Sinclair - The Jungle (Meat packing Industry)

RAP: The Jungle Select one topic from the below list, and draw a symbol to represent the topic, and then write a complete sentence explaining the symbol. –Meat packing/killing process –Plights of workers –Scandals/other industries and inventions –Sausage making

Dealing with Workers’ issues: Worst tragedy of the decade was the Triangle Shirt Waist Factory Fire (1911) Labor Unions struggled until 1902 Coal Miners Strike; Pres. Teddy Roosevelt sided with the workers; First time gov.t helped labor unions!! Child Labor laws were first passed during Woodrow Wilson’s administartion

Dealing with Consumer Fraud: Department of Commerce and Labor (1903): goal was to keep businesses and industry open to public scrutiny Pure Food and Drug Act (1906): barred use of harmful additives in foods and forbade misleading advertisement

Dealing with Business Practices T. Roosevelt known as “Trustbuster;” broke up those that abused power and acted irresponsibly Wilson - Federal Trade Commission (1914); prevented large companies from destroying small ones Clayton Antitrust Act: prohibited pricing policies and outlawed buying competitor’s stock

Dealing with Political Corruption Steps taken to control Political machines (network of men who influence gov.t through bribes and favors): –Primary elections (more chances for people to chose candidates) –Intiatives and referendums –Ability to have recall elections – Passage of the 17th Amendment: Direct election of Senators – Passage of 19th Amendment: women’s suffrage

Dealing with Wilderness Conservation T. Roosevelt set aside 5 areas as designated National Wilderness areas; eventually became the first national parks

Forgotten People W.E.B. DuBois led new organization called National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) had national membership of 6,000 people and offices in 50 cities

WIO: Progressives Rank the 6 problems in order of importance (in your opinion). Then, using your #1 problem, evaluate how effective the progressives were at dealing with that problem. Explain in a paragraph.

“Meet the Press” Poster 1) In your group, make sure you have your biographical briefing information and a mask for your character 2) On the poster, include information in the following categories: –Background information (early life of person) –Actions taken and special causes as a Progressive –Lasting impact –Add a visual (besides the head)