1. Quick review… What is laissez-faire economics? Government does not get involved in the economy What were the benefits of laissez-faire economics? Improved productivity, massive industrial growth What were the negative consequences of laissez- faire economics? Poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours

2. Economic Reforms of Progressivism The End of Laissez-Faire

3. Teddy Roosevelt Broke apart companies that tried to create monopolies Forced business owners to work with labor unions Created consumer protection laws – Meat Inspection Act

4. William Taft Also broke apart companies trying to create monopolies – More in 4 years than Roosevelt did in 7 Fought against child labor – Passed child labor laws

5. William Taft’s Bathtub Taft weighed 332 lbs Got stuck in the normal-sized bathtub in the White House Had to have a new, extra large sized tub installed

6. Woodrow Wilson Created more government agencies to monitor corporations – FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Formally acknowledged the right for unions to exist

7. Legacy of Progressivism Good – Made a lot of improvements in American society Monopolies no longer allowed Child labor no longer acceptable Unions have support from the government to fight for better benefits Bad – Disregarded African American struggles for equal rights Racial division and riots

8. Quick Review 1.How did the progressive presidents get involved in the issue of monopolies? 2.How did the progressive presidents get involved in labor issues? 3.What limitation did the progressive movement have when it came to improving American society? Tried to break them apart Supported labor unions, fought against child labor Didn’t help African-Americans

9. Discussion Topic Would you consider the Progressive Movement a success? Why or why not? Things to consider: – What was the goal/purpose of the Progressive Movement?