U2C6:The Progressives 1898-1920 United States History
Essential Question What social, government and economic reforms were caused by the progressive movement?
Main Idea During the early 1900s, the Progressive movement arose to redress the negative impact of industrialization. Progressives achieved many wide-reaching reforms affecting American political, social, and economic life.
Progressivism What is progressivism? movement to redress the negative impact of industrialization. Reforming society: 1920-over half of all Americans lived in cities, Tenement Act of 1901-lighting, one toilet per 2 families, civil rights-NAACP Reforming the workplace: labor unions for men, reform for women and children, 1900 40% of workers in poverty, min wage law 1912- Mass. 1938-national, Triangle Shirtwaist fire was turning point for reform, passing tough fire safety laws. ILGWU, AFL, IWW, all born to fight for better working conditions Progressivism: A reform movement in the late 1800s to address the social problems that industrialization created. Reformers sought to improve living conditions for the urban poor. They questioned the power and practices of big business. Progressives called for government to be more honest and responsive to people’s needs.
Reforming Government Progressive election reforms include: Direct primary: voters select candidates for public office 17th Amendment: voters elect their senators directly Secret ballot: people vote privately without fear of coercion Initiative: allows citizens to propose new laws Referendum: allows citizens to vote on a proposed or existing law Recall: allows voters to remove an elected official from office
Women and Public Life Women during the Progressive Era actively campaigned for reforms in education, children’s welfare, temperance, and suffrage. Progressives gained economic opportunities for women in higher education and employment Progressives gained government reforms with the 18th Amendment (prohibition) and 19th Amendments (women’s suffrage)
Theodore Roosevelt’s Square Deal Theodore Roosevelt brought new momentum to the Progressive movement, believed each citizen should receive a square deal; believed needs of workers, business, and consumers should be balanced; limited the power of trusts, promoted public health and safety, and improved working conditions.
Roosevelt’s Reforms railroads Elkins Act,1903 Hepburn Act, 1906 food Meat Inspection Act, 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act, 1906 conservation Newlands Reclamation Act, 1902 US Forest Service Antiquities Act, 1906: 18 national monuments
Taft and Wilson 16th Amendment, 1913: taxes based on income Wilson’s New Freedom: tariff reduction; graduated income; Federal Reserve Act, 1913; Clayton Antitrust Act, 1914, extended Sherman Antitrust Act to prevent monopolies; Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 1915; 19th Amendment, 1920 Progressivism did not increase the civil rights of blacks; Brownsville Incident proved Theodore Roosevelts ineptitude; Wilson allowed segregated offices for his cabinet members. Progressive reforms continued during the Taft and Wilson presidencies, focusing on business, banking, and women’s suffrage