The Progressive Era Fixing the Problems of the Gilded Age

As you know from your readings, working for the Captains of Industry, or Robber Barons, was not much fun. Unsafe working conditions, low wages and long hours caused many to fight for better lives.

Even children!

Who is being forced to walk the blank? What does he represent? Who is forcing him?

Many decided that the political parties were worthless during this time, because they would only help the large companies. Many joined the Socialists Party headed by Eugene Debs. Socialists wanted the government to run major businesses and redistribute income so no one would be poor.

Many workers joined unions like The Knights of Labor or the American Federation of Labor. These unions would go to the company owners and make demands. If demands were not met, workers who belonged to the union would go on strike causing a work stoppage. The government would send in troops to force strikers back to work or protect their replacements (scabs). Many strikes, like the Haymarket, Homestead and Pullman strikes, ended in bloodshed and death.

What happened to union membership after the strikes? Why?

A progressive was anyone who worked to improve the economic, social or political problems which plagued the country at the turn of the 19 th century. Theodore Roosevelt called many progressives muckrakers, because they were always trying to rake up the muck. Many began to speak out against the treatment of the less fortunate (which was about 70% of the population). The muckrakers used the power of the pen (newspapers and novels) to push their cause.

Susan B. Anthony was one of the earliest advocates for women’s suffrage. Women were not allowed to vote until the passage of the nineteenth amendment.

Ida Tarbell She wrote books about Standard Oil, showing everyone how The large companies controlled the policies mandated by the government.

Jane Addams She was horrified by the conditions in the ghettos and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the poor. She set up houses for the new immigrants (Hull Houses)

Florence Kelly Worked to improve child safety in factories

Frank Norris His book, The Octopus, showed how the railroads also controlled Washington’s policies as well as how poorly their workers were treated.

Upton Sinclair Probably the most famous muckraker, his book, The Jungle, described the horrors of working in a meat packing company.

Muckrakers didn’t just focus on social issues, they also focused on political issues. They were tired of the political machines which ran their city and the machine bosses like “Boss” Tweed.

Accomplishments of the Progressive Era! A.Social:  More and better schooling  Improved city services (health clinics, tenement improvements, improved sanitation...)  The 18 th amendment ended the sale and distribution of alcohol in the United States  Women gain the right to vote with 19 th amendment

B. Industry The Clayton Antitrust Act did two things:  It ended price fixing  Unions were no longer held accountable to the Sherman Antitrust Act. Workers could strike! Factories were open to inspection to ensure safe working environments. Child labor in factories began to be phased out Maximum work hours began to be set

Other Accomplishments C. Government changes  16 th Amendment: fed. Income tax. Now poor would pay less tax and the rich more.  17 th Amendment: Senators are directly elected.  In the states citizens are given a greater voice with the creation of the direct primary, recall, referendum and initiatives. The power of the political machine began to fade. D. Health and environment  The Pure Food and Drug Act became law shortly after The Jungle was released. The government would inspect food processing plants.  National Parks were established to ensure that land was protected for generations to come.

Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt (TR): the first progressive President. Progressive Presidents

TR’s progressive accomplishments Square Deal: made companies agree to arbitrate (make a legal agreement) with the unions. Companies could no longer ignore workers’ demands. Passed the Food & Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act. Trustbuster: TR was known as the trustbuster because by 1909 he had gone after over 40 trust breaking up monopolies like Standard Oil and American Tobacco He established the first national parks.

William Howard Taft Taft was picked by TR to succeed him. TR wanted a person who would continue his progressive legacy. Taft worked very hard to break up other monopolies (telephone) and improve child safety, but scandal had hurt his reputation. TR decided to form a new party, the Progressive Party (the Bull Moose Party). In the end, Woodrow Wilson, a democrat won the election of 1912.

Woodrow Wilson Wilson was also a progressive. His New Freedom policy advocated. Unlike TR and Taft, Wilson believed that government should regulate business in order to protect workers as well as the economy. Wilson established Federal Trade Commission, he strengthened antitrust laws, lowered tariffs and created the federal reserve. Banks could now borrow money from the government, cutting down on bank failures.