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Published byMorris Robertson Modified over 7 years ago
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The Progressive Era Introduction
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Origins of Progressivism Main Idea: Political, economic, and social change in the late 19 th century led to broad progressive reforms. Why it Matters Now: Progressive reforms in areas such as labor and voting rights reinforced democratic principles that continue to the present day.
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Progressive Movement Definition: Reform efforts that aimed to restore economic opportunities and correct injustices in American life. – Journalists and writers exposed unsafe working conditions – Intellectuals questioned the role of large corporations (businesses) – Politicians tried to change the laws to help people and society
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Four Goals of Progressivism Protect social welfare Promote moral improvement Create economic reform Foster efficiency
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Protect Social Welfare Followers of Social Gospel and their work, such as settlement houses continued Groups formed that are still active today – Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) opened libraries and swimming pools – Salvation Army – fed and educated people Others took more active role for change (activists) – Florence Kelley – advocate or women and children – Worked to pass and enforce laws to prohibit child labor and improve working conditions
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Promote Moral Improvement Thought that the poor could improve their lives by improving personal behavior Most important: Prohibition – Prohibition (definition): Outlaw manufacture and sale of alcohol – Prohibitionists believed alcohol was cause of problems of the poor – Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was largest women’s group in the country – Not limited to prohibition – also worked for women’s suffrage
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Carrie Nation Most well-known Walked into saloons and smashed alcohol with her hatchet
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Economic Reform Many progressives questioned whether capitalism benefited all Americans and not just those who owned large businesses. Eugene V. Debs – Founded Socialist Party of America – Thought workers should own means of production Improving efficiency was proposed – fewer workers could do more – Henry Ford developed idea of assembly line
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Muckrakers Journalists and writers who exposed the corrupt side of business and government Wrote in magazines and books Most famous: The Jungle by Upton Sinclair – Exposed how rotten meat sold to consumers – Exposed dangerous and unsanitary conditions
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Government Reform Many cities abolished mayoral system – Cities run by professionals – Appointed commissioners or city manager Progressives – Fought to regulate railroads, mines, and other large companies – Robert M. LaFollette was most well known Governor of Wisconsin and U.S. Senator
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Election Reforms Initiative – a law proposed by the people rather then a legislature Referendum – Voters decide whether or not a law will be passed Recall – Voters decide whether or not a person will stay in office 17 th Amendment – People elect their senators – Before 1913, state legislatures elected, giving more power to machines and bosses
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