Progressivism

In the early years of the twentieth century, people endeavored to overcome the problems of the Gilded Age Pollution Changing Moral Standards Monopolies Corruption in Politics Inequality

Gilded Age Problems Corruption/Dishonestly in government

During the Gilded Age, Powerful organizations called political machines influenced city and county politics.

These groups used both legal and illegal means to get candidates elected to public office. They sometimes paid people for votes. If bribing voters did not work, the political machines might hire the people who counted the votes. Made deals to put their friends into office

Machine Bosses The boss often traded favors for votes. In exchange for the votes he received, the boss might offer city jobs, order neighborhood improvements, or allow an illegal business to continue to operate.

The bosses drew much of their support from immigrants who relied on them for jobs and social mobility. Some politicians saw nothing wrong with machine that exchanged money and jobs for working class votes.

Through such actions, a political party could control local government for many years.

However, once in power bosses might use their control of the government to get rich. For example. New York City’s boss, William Marcy Tweed, may have stolen as much as $200 million from the city treasury. He was later convicted, however, and died in jail.

Reed Smoot Reed Smoot a republican from Provo welded together a political machine that dominated Utah’s Republican Party for a decade and a half.

Reed Smoot It was generally called the Federal Bunch because many of its principal leaders held federal office. Although not involved in illegal corrupt actions like some other political bosses, as resident chief of the Federal Bunch, Smoot did install friends in political offices.

Progressive Politicians Often opposed the powerful political machines Teddy Roosevelt fought corruption in politics

Social Progressivism Improving society through political action

The Jungle changes things

Prohibition Movement aimed at stopping alcohol abuse and the problems created by it. Why would people support the movement?

“Drys” Advocates of prohibition Argued that prohibition -strengthened families -improved individuals -strengthened society

The Eighteenth Amendment The Volstead Act

Effects of Prohibition Alcoholism and liver disease both declined during prohibition.

“Wets” Opponents of prohibition argued that prohibition -Encouraged Corruption -Did not stop people from drinking -Funded organized crime

Negative Effects of Prohibition

The Result By the mid 1920’s, most city politicians clamored for the repeal of the eighteenth Amendment. The debate continued and in 1933 the 21st amendment repealed prohibition.

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