America Seeks Reforms in the Early 20th Century The Progressive Era America Seeks Reforms in the Early 20th Century

The Bourbon Triumvirate Democrats controlled Georgia’s government after Reconstruction. Powerful Democratic leaders, known as the “Bourbon Triumvirate” were Joseph E. Brown, Alfred H. Colquitt, and John B. Gordon. Their goals were: expand Georgia’s economy and ties with industries in the North; maintain the tradition of white supremacy.

The Bourbons are Targeted and Criticized “Independent Democrats” criticized the Bourbons for not attending to the needs of the poor or improve education and working conditions in factories.

Origins of Progressivism As America entered the 20th century, middle class reformers at the municipal, state, and national levels addressed the problems of the Gilded Age, including: Economic inequities Environmental issues Social welfare Working conditions Rights for women and children

The Progressive Movement Goal: Progress! Society Business Government fight poverty improve working conditions votes for women prison reform outlaw alcohol break up large corporations regulate businesses decrease corporate power in government greater voice of “the people” more voters did not seek to increase participation of blacks in elections

Women in Public Life Rebecca Latimer Felton Before the Civil War, American women were expected to devote their time to home and family. By the late 19th and early 20th century, women were visible in the workforce. Rebecca Latimer Felton Read pages 314-316 in your Georgia Studies Book. CRCT Coachbook Review

Child Labor Laws Progressives increased regulation to protect child laborers Minimum wage Compulsory school attendance laws Laws protecting children against work in dangerous places and using dangerous equipment (for example: mines) In Georgia, most child workers in cotton fields or textile factories In the North, child workers were in “sweatshops”