The Progressive ERA “a new social age, a new era of human relationships” Roots in Populism---Ocala Platform National Farmers Alliance. Populism made people aware of problems and inequalities in society, business and government Progressivism offered moderation and in many fashions consensus.

The Progressive ERA Grew out of several problems in society created by many issues facing an exploding nation in several facets. Problems: over-crowded cities Millions of immigrant into slums poverty inequality blacks Labor unrest abuse of child labor monopolies/trusts unfair tax laws poor schools unregulated food and drug industries women's rights booze immigration conservation/environmentalism politics Lead to a broad-based reform movement known as: Progressivism

Progressives and Government Government Huge in size and complexity Often corrupt Ignored voters concerns Business/Industry Big Companies/Corp. Mistreated workers Mislead customers Trusts/no competition Both of these developments threatened the rights of the individual and the future of democracy.

Progressives offer Reforms 1. Governments must be more responsive to the people. 2. Governments must play a larger role protecting citizens 3. Government must regulate business

Progressivism When???? Who—many qualify---no true political party distinction. Who were the Progressives  variety of backgrounds  variety of concerns  All felt gov’t had to intervene

The Progressive ERA Large scale industrialization, immigration, and urban expansion changed the United States dramatically during the last quarter of the 19 th Century. By the turn of the century, a reform movement had developed that included a wide range of groups and individuals with a common desire to improve life in the industrial age. Their ideas became known as PROGRESSIVISM, because they wanted to build on the existing society. They wanted to make moderate political changes and social improvements through government action.

The Progressives Most Progressives were not revolutionaries but shared the goals of limiting power of big business, improving democracy for the people, and strengthening social justice. Achieving these goals would need a more active role of the government. While Progressives did not cure all of America’s problems, they improved the quality of life, provided for a larger role for the people in their democracy and established a long new precedent of a much more active and forceful federal government.

Origins Attitudes and Motives Who were the Progressives Urban Middle Class Professional Class Religion Leadership and Philosophy Pragmatism Scientific Management

The Muckrakers The Name Origins Magazines Books Decline of Muckraking

Political Reforms Voter Participation Australian Ballot Direct Primaries Direct Elections Initiative, Referendum, Recall

Municipal Reform Ohio Mayor Samuel “golden rule” Jones and Cleveland Mayor Tom L. Johnson Controlling Public Utilities Commissions and City Managers STATE REFORM----Wisconsin Idea