R EFORMATION : T HE P ROGRESSIVE E RA Reforming the Political Process Amanda Ignacz & Anelisa Fergus

R EFORMING THE P OLITICAL P ROCESS Beginning of progressive era- 1890’s ‘boss system’=essence of evil to elites & middle classes NYC- reform ‘spasms’ helped mobilize masses against employers Mayor Hazen Pingree: shrewd politician lower transit fares, equal tax structure, honesty to city hall, public baths (improved quality of life) Used a quarantine to force business owners to back his reforms

R EFORMING THE P OLITICAL P ROCESS Abe Reuf (corrupt business owner) in court- Hiram Johnson takes over after original prosecutor was embarassed Johnson called ”A volcano in perpetual eruption”- Johnson was CA governor in 1910 and in U.S. Senate in 1916

R EFORMING THE P OLITICAL P ROCESS Samuel M. “Golden Rule” Jones- led reformation in Toledo, Ohio He introduced profit sharing in his factory Returned as mayor and made playgrounds, a free kindergarten, lodging houses for the homeless, and open air churches for all faiths

R EFORMING THE P OLITICAL P ROCESS Reformation attacks the roots of urban misgovernment Roots are uncontrolled private monopolies that control water, gas, and electricity and public transportation Reformers pass laws to regulate above utilities Mayor Johnson of Cleveland “the best mayor of the best governed city in the United States”

R EFORMING THE P OLITICAL P ROCESS Want structural changes in the city government Vote for mayors Galveston, Texas after hurricane adopted a city commission Dayton, Ohio became a city-manager system after flood

R EFORMING THE P OLITICAL P ROCESS Who were reformers? Middle class clergymen, newspaper editors Businesses supported city wide elections Wanted to improve “ municipal services” for urban dwellers

R EFORMING THE P OLITICAL P ROCESS Reform expanded to state level Secret ballots No peer pressure Direct primaries Voters narrow candidates, not officials

R EFORMING THE P OLITICAL P ROCESS Initiative Citizens propose legislation Referendum Polls to vote on controversial legislation Recall Vote to remove elected officials from office and replace them

R EFORMING THE P OLITICAL P ROCESS Changes intended to further democratize American government and voting Sadly these changes weakened party loyalty and reduced voter interest