SELECTED TERMS OF THE PROGRESSIVE ERA IDA WELLS TR “FIGHTING BOB”

EXAMPLE When – 1896 Where – Democratic National Covnention Who – William Jennings Bryan What – Address to the convention that used Christian references to portray those in favor of the gold standard as evil. Why – In the short term propels Bryan to become Democratic nominee of convention. In the long run it showed just how deeply divided the country was over the money supply issue.

THE CROSS OF GOLD SPEECH

WHEN: 1919 WHO: US Congress & the States of the US WHY: One of the last progressive initiatives, this attempted to reform social morality and make society clean & sober. WHAT: Prohibition of the sale, manufacture, transportation, importation, or exportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes.

THE 18 TH AMENDMENT

WHO: Congress & the States of the US WHEN: 1913 WHY: Important success of progressive reformers that gives the American citizen more control over their representation and a reduction of power for political machines. WHAT: Popular election of US Senators

The 17 th Amendment

WHEN: 1908 WHO: Louis Brandeis WHY: Sets precedent for government involvement in the protection of the rights of workers in America. WHAT: Supreme Court decision that accepts the constitutionality of laws protecting women workers in America.

MULLER V. OREGON LOUIS BRANDEIS

WHEN: 1914 WHO: US Congress WHAT: Congressional action that empowers government to prosecute corporations in violation of fair trade practices and legalizes strikes and boycotts. WHY: It shows an expansion of the role of government in American society and reinforces the idea that the laissez-faire relationship between govt and business is over.

CLAYTON ANTI-TRUST ACT

WHEN: late 19 th century WHERE: Midwest America WHY: In the short term this provided protection for farmers against unfair rates for shipping of farm products. In the long run it leads to more government involvement in society and sets the roots of the populist movement in America. WHAT: A series of state rules that strove to regulate railroad rates And sotrage fees charged to farmers by railways.

GRANGER LAWS

WHEN: 1894 WHY: Convinced many populists and labor organizers that an Alliance between big business and the courts in America existed. Eugene Debs is arrested and during time in jail becomes a socialist and will run for president 5 times. Labor Day is created in an attempt to Appease organized labor. WHERE: Chicago, IL WHAT: Starting as a ‘wildcat’action of 4,000 employees upset over A cut in wages without similar reduction in living costs in a company Town, this eventually spread to boycotts of railway workers and other Related unions totally 250,000 workers in 27 states that virtually shut Down rail transportation. President Cleveland eventually orders the Army to break up the strike and get the rail system working again. 30 workers are kille dand 57 are wounded.

PULLMAN STRIKE

WHEN: 1902 WHO: TR WHAT: Nickname of a set of government programs that promised fair treatment for the public and labor. These programs addressed three C’s: convervation, consumer protection, and control of corporations. WHY: This began to break the hold of trusts and monopolies on the American economy.

THE SQUARE DEAL

When: 1909 Who: U.S. Congress & President Taft Why: Taft’ signing and public support angered some Republicans. Taft had promised to work to lower the tariff. It was a reason why Republicans will split in 1910 Mid-term elections and 1912 presidential election. What: Compromise bill that raised the tariff on most imported goods.

PAYNE – ALDRICH TARIFF

Why: Progressives favored protection of the environment. Taft claimed to be a progressive and was favored by T.R. However this action Causes many progressives to question Taft’s loyalties and further accelerates the split in the Republican Party and is part of the reason for the formation of the Progressive Party and Republican political losses. When: 1910 What: Sec of Interior opens land in Alaska to private development. The Forest Service chief openly criticized the action. The Forest Service Chief was fired for insubordination. Who: Forest Service Chief Gifford Pinochet & Secretary of Interior Richard Ballinger.

PINCHOT-BALLINGER CONTROVERSY

Why: After it the Republican Party was split wide open between Conservatives loyal to Taft and progressives. It begins a wave of Support for a return of T.R. to the presidency. Who: President William Howard Taft, U.S. Congress, and the American people. When: 1910 What: Mid term congressional elections in which Taft backs conservative candidates in many states. Conservatives suffer big losses and progressives gain seats and political clout.

1910 CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS