The Progressive Reform Era Chapter 11

The Progressive Beliefs Government should… Be accountable to its citizens. Curb the power and influence of wealthy interests. Be given expanded powers so that it could become more active in improving the lives of its citizens. Become more efficient and less corrupt.

Reformers Henry George – single property tax and eliminate poverty Edward Bellamy – No harsh working conditions, no gaps between social classes and no political corruption Muckrakers – journalists who play a key role in alerting the public to wrong doing in politics and business Upton Sinclair – The Jungle (exposed meat packing industry) Ida Tarbell – exposed abuses committed by Standard Oil Mother Jones – organized unions to fight for better working conditions Florence Kelly – worked to outlaw child labor

The Need for Reform As a result of the Labor Movement, UNIONS emerged. They focuses on HOURS, WAGES and CONDITIONS Young work = cheap labor Women demanded the right to VOTE Government needed to change, too REGULATE TREATMENT OF WORKERS PREVENT MONOPOLIES Create Social Welfare Programs – government should help to ensure a basic standard of living (disability, unemployment, health insurance)

Reforms Political reforms begin in small cities Monopolies were disbanded Direct primary – voters select who is going to run Muller v. Oregon – limited hours women could work Child labor – no employment for children under 14 Initiative - voters can put new laws on a ballot Referendum – voters can vote directly on bill Recall – voters can remove public officials before the next election

Roosevelt’s Square Deal Focused on revamping railroads and food/drug industry 4 Major Contributions 1902 – United Mine Workers strike (Arbitration – a 3rd party decides the outcome which both parties are legally binding) Hepburn Act – Gave Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) the ability to limit rates if shippers complained about unfair treatment Pure Food and Drug Act – must label ingredients, conditions must be sanitary and established a rating system for meats Anti-Trust – holding companies: companies which hold a great deal of stock over small corporations = Control/Monopoly

Results of Progressive Era (TR) Many monopolies are broken up (TR) Preservation of 200 million acres for national forests, mineral reserves and water projects 16th Amendment: Congress can collect federal income tax 17th Amendment: direct election of Senators 18th Amendment: Prohibition 19th Amendment: women's suffrage