Progressive Movement Social Reform

Progressivism Addresses Problems of………. Urbanization and Industrialization

4 Goals Promote Social Welfare Promote moral improvement Create economic reform Promote efficiency

Promote Social Welfare YMCA’s The Salvation Army Settlement Houses Florence Kelley fought for end of child labor

Moral Reform Prohibition Woman’s Christian Temperance Union Banning of alcohol Woman’s Christian Temperance Union Frances Willard transformed the Union into a national organization

Economic Reform Literature pointing out differences between rich and poor Muckrakers wrote stories about unfair business practices Some people embraced socialism such as Eugene Debs

Promoting Efficiency An increased emphasis on data Example: Muller v. Oregon Frederick W. Taylor promoted scientific management The breaking up of tasks into simpler parts Similar to the assembly line

Robert M. La Follette States sought to regulate industries Changed the way railroads were taxed Set limits on rates Cut out unfair practices Illegal rebates

Political Reform Commission System Reform Mayors Initiatives Tom Johnson of Cleveland (more honest, more efficient, and more humane) Initiatives Referendums Recalls Direct election of senators

Protecting Working Children Progressives took up cause of ending National Child Labor Committee gathered data and showed pictures Labor unions also agreed with bans of child labor

Limiting Work Hours: Muller v. Oregon 1908: Supreme Court Case Progressives argued for and won a ten hour work day for women However, gender discrimination was still present in the case

Muller v. Oregon "That woman's physical structure and the performance of maternal functions place her at a disadvantage in the struggle for subsistence is obvious. This is especially true when the burdens of motherhood are upon her. Even when they are not, by abundant testimony of the medical fraternity continuance for a long time on her feet at work, repeating this from day to day, tends to injurious effects upon the body, and as healthy mothers are essential to vigorous offspring, the physical well-being of woman becomes an object of public interest and care in order to preserve the strength and vigor of the race.”