Progressivism Curing the Ills of Industrialization

Progressivism and Reform A. Progessivism and the Reform Movement 1. With industrialization and the growth of cities, new social problems were created. a. “Social” dealing with society b. Some of the issues were pverty, poor living conditions, poor health and nutrition, labor and work fairness, government corruption, and class/race/gender issues.

Progressivism and Reform B. Muckrakers 1. Journalists and photographers who were interested in reforming society, and creating positive change for those who lived in grave conditions. a. Wanted to expose the evils of industrialization and poverty

Progressivism and Reform 2. Muckrakers used magazines and newspapers to report on the ills of society and usually focused on industrial corruption, government corruption, or general welfare of the urban poor. a. Famous Muckrakers: 1. Ida Tarbel- Standard Oil expose 2. Jacob Riis- How the Other Half Lives 3. Upton Sinclair- The Jungle

Jacob Riis

Progressivism and Reform The Jungle - Excerpt Read and discuss one paragraph at a time!!

Reforming Society C. Reforming Society 1. By 1920, more than half of Americans lived in cities… this create a new set of social problems. a. Housing in cities was atrocious, horrible sanitation, bad lighting, and dangerous buildings. 1. NY Tenement Act- 1901, banned outhouses, required at least 1 toilet per 2 families!

Reforming Society 2. Reforming the Work Place a. Labor Unions (ex- Knights of Labor) 1. International Workers of the World (IWW) a. “Big Bill” Haywood 2. Amer. Federation of Labor (AFL) a. allowed only skilled workers! b. Fight for the minimum wage 1. Not passed nationally until 1938! c. Workday hours 1. Progressive leaders looking to limit to 10 hrs. at the time, some small victories but again, no national law until much later.

Reforming Society d. Safety 1. Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire a b. 500 employees, 140 died. c. Doors were locked to prevent theft d. Fire escape collapsed under the weight of panicked workers e. Fire ladders could not reach!

Reforming Society 3. Government a. Corruption, inept leaders, and violence plagued national, state and local governments at this time! 1. Progressives started to run for office in order to make changes! ex- Tom Johnson, Mayor of Cleveland * overhauled police, debt changes, fair taxes

Reforming Society 2. Robert M. La Follette- Wis. a. Pushed for campaign finance reform, and commissions to oversee transportation, taxes, and utility usage.

Reforming Society b. Scandal 1. Political Machines- groups of politicians and city leaders exchanging jobs, favors and contracts for votes. a. Tammany Hall- NYC 1. Most famous “machine” 2. Took bribes 3. Intimidated voters 4. Worked with gangs to control the neighborhood 5. William “Boss” Tweed- the leader, ultimately imprisoned on fraud charges

Reforming Society 2. Corruption in the White House a. U.S. Grant- never charged with a crime, but many of his friends were. b. Credit Mobilier- Money sent to a secret company, then sent to Congressmen, political leaders. c. Huge scandal and theft of American tax dollars

Reforming Society 3. Government Reform a. Populist Party- a political group looking to regulate government, add new agricultural programs, and remove corruption. 1. This party only existed for 3-4 years, but was considered the party of the progressives!

Reforming Society b. 17 th Amendment- Directly elect US Senators to congress. 1. People now decide, instead of corrupt state legislatures! Important step in creating a better Congress! 2. We still vote directly on Senators today!

Reforming Society c. Recall- A new law allowing voters to get rid of elected officials at any time. d. Referendum- Any newly passed law in Congress, can be rejected by voters and overturned. e. Initiative- Voters can add a new law, without Congress’ approval!

California Recall