1. The Progressive Era
1870’s-1920’s

2. Progress could only occur through human intervention to solve problems
What is Progressivism?
Belief that American society was capable of improvement and continued growth and advancement
Progress could only occur through human intervention to solve problems

3. Who started Progressivism?
A new class of college educated, but still unmarried upper-middle-class women
Growing emphasis on professionalism and expertise
Ex: Ida Tarbell
“Muckrakers”
crusading journalists who exposed scandal and corruption

4. Political Reform Municipal (city) level reforms
Gov’t should be accountable to its people
State level reforms
Give voters more control
Maverick reform politicians
(William Jennings Bryan, Teddy Roosevelt)
Growth of socialism in America
Move away from Monopolies

5. Women’s Rights Suffrage Birth control “The New Woman”
Right to vote
19th Amendment- 1920
Birth control
Margret Sanger
“The New Woman”
Educated, independent, career focused
“Republican Motherhood”
Work/Woman Rights- Fair pay

6. Temperance Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU)
Campaigns to stop abuse of children and women
Provide shelter
State level prohibition laws
Poverty- jobs, unemployed, violence
National Prohibition
Banning alochol
18th Amendment- 1919

7. Business Reform Trust-busting Labor reforms/worker protections
Breaking monopolies
Labor reforms/worker protections
Gov’t needs to be held accountable
Child labor laws
Consumer protection laws
Health and safety inspections

8. Immigration Reform Immigration restriction laws Settlement houses
15 million,
Chinese Exclusioin Act
Settlement houses
Community centers which provided day care, education, & homes
Assimilation
Resemble other cultures
Increased public schooling in urban areas
Focus on a better life
H.S became the norm