1. The Progressive Era

2. Review of Previous Unit: Immigration and Urbanization
In the period after the Civil War, the country became urbanized because of:
Immigration
Technological advances

3. Review of Previous Unit: Immigration and Urbanization
This growth of the cities led to problems such as:
Overcrowding
Poor housing (tenements)
Poor sanitary conditions
Sickness
Unemployment

4. Review of Previous Unit: Immigration and Urbanization
The services provided were often lacking – not provided or inefficient
Social Darwinism – The idea that only the strong survived – and any means or methods were acceptable to gain money and power
Results were graft, corruption, and abuses of power by government and businesses

5. Review of Previous Unit: Immigration and Urbanization
Government abuses:
Political machines – an organize group that offered services to citizens and businesses in exchange for political or financial support
Political bosses – a powerful man who essentially controlled the political machines – often the mayor of a city
Graft – doing favors for citizens or businesses in return for money or other gain

6. Review of Previous Unit: Immigration and Urbanization
Business abuses:
Businesses could provide money or favors to national politicians to pass laws favorable to them
Businesses did not want to be regulated because it interfered with their profits
Few laws to protect individuals
If were laws, were not strictly enforced
This approach by government sometimes called “laissez faire” – French for “hands off”

7. Review of Previous Unit: Immigration and Urbanization
This meant rich got richer and lived luxurious lifestyles while most people suffered
What happens when people are abused over a period of time?
Become unhappy
Become angry
Push back
In America, led to Progessive Movement

8. The Progressive Movement Definitions
Look in your book on pages 306 through 312 to define the following terms:
Progressive movement (page 307) ( Be sure to include the four goals)
Florence Kelly (page 307)
Prohibition (page 307)
Muckrakers (page 308)
Robert M. LaFollette (page 310)
Initiative (page 310)
Referendum (page 310)
Recall (page 310)
Seventeenth Amendment (page 312)