1. UNIT I The Progressive Era CH. 18 (1900-1914) 18.1 Roots of Progressivism Part 1

2. RISE OF PROGRESSIVISM Industrialization, immigration, urbanization helped lead to national growth and prosperity. Also led to poverty, high unemployment, poor working conditions and political corruption. Progressivism was born. Government is responsible for change.

3. Led by educated white middle class and some white women: Journalists, educators, politicians, clergymen.

4. Anti-laissez-faire. Because: Unregulated economy led to poverty, crime, unfairness. Support government intervention in society to fix problems and level playing field.

5. THE MUCKRAKERS Reform oriented journalists who investigated and reported on poor social conditions and corrupt politicians. Sensationalized conditions in industries and slums. President T. Roosevelt called them “muckrakers.” People horrified by what they saw and read. Upton Sinclair (The Jungle)- Novel on Chicago’s unsanitary stockyards. Jacob Riis (How the Other Half Lives.)- photos of urban poor in NYC.

6. Fix government before government can fix problems. Direct primary: election where citizens vote to select nominees. Initiative-Citizenry put proposed law on a ballot by collecting signatures on a petition. Referendum-citizens approve or reject passed laws. Recall-Vote to remove official from office. 17 th Amendment- Direct election of state senators by the people. Democracy and Progressivism