Roosevelt and Progressivism “The Rise of Progressivism” Chapter 8 Section 1 Roosevelt and Progressivism “The Rise of Progressivism”

The Problems of the late 1800s Poverty The spread of Slums Poor working conditions in factories Economic depression Corrupt politicians Big Corporations with lots of control

Reforms in Government Reformers wanted to get rid of the Patronage System: Elected officials gave out government jobs in return for political support Congress passed the Pendleton Civil Service Act – requiring people to pass an exam in order to get a gov’t job

Solutions to the Problems SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS? -- A reform movement known as Progressivism The Progressives had 3 Major Goals 1. Expand Democracy 2. Protect Social Welfare 3. Create Economic Reform

Expanding Democracy More people should be receiving benefits of democracy…HOW DOES IT WORK? Direct Primary: voters choose candidate Initiative: voters propose laws directly Referendum: law is proposed – people vote it either for it, or against it Recall: voters directly remove somebody from elected office

Promoting Social Welfare Aid to the unemployed Minimum wage laws Limits on the number of hours women and children could work Prohibition

Creating Economic Reform Breaking up Trusts Regulating industry The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 made it illegal for corporations to form trusts (in effect controlling the entire industry)

Teddy Roosevelt Became President in 1901 when Pres. William McKinley was assassinated Became the first “Progressive” President Wanted to ensure a “square-deal” or “fairness” for workers, consumers, and business

Roosevelt the “trust-buster” First president to enforce the Sherman Antitrust Act Broke up the railroad, tobacco, and Standard Oil Company trusts Also targeted poor conditions in meat-packing plants

Roosevelt & Conservation T.R. was very worried about the loss of natural resources Preserved more than 200 million acres Wildlife refuges National parks Protected the Grand Canyon in Arizona