The Progressive Era 1877-1920

Problems due to urbanization and industrialization:   Poverty Slums Bad working conditions Corrupt government + people have little say Monopolies and trusts Child labor

4 major areas that needed reforms and goals: Social –promote well being of society Economic- create economic reform Political- reform gov’t & expand democracy Environmental-conserve and preserve

Fighting Corruption In Government Problem Solution or reform Political Machines: controlled –Reformers attempted jobs and services in many to break power by cities; often dishonest- working to make city accepted bribes and gov’ts more honest and kickbacks. efficient Boss Tweed- Headed NYC political machine known as Tammany Hall

William Marcy Tweed: Tammany Hall

Problem Solution or reform The Spoils System President Hayes (1877-(patronage) 1881) and President rewarded jobs and favors Garfield(1881): tried to political supporters. unsuccessfully to change this. President Arthur: Pendleton Act- Congress establishes Civil Service Commission to give examinations for federal jobs.

Controlling Business The Economy Problems Solution or Reform Trusts and Monopolies -Limit power of big business & regulate activities Sherman Antitrust Act was passed in 1890 to control trusts and monopolies. Railroads (oligopolies) The Interstate Commerce Act, passed in 1887, required railroads to charge and publish “reasonable and just rates” Tariffs Lower tariffs to decrease the price of goods.

New Reformers Socialism – Eugene V. Debs government should own and operate major industries on behalf of all people. Progressivism End injustice and solve social problems /regulate industry The Muckrakers- reporters who exposed problems Lincoln Steffans Thomas Nast Exposed political machines in cities cartoons exposing political machines Ida Tarbell Wrote articles on big businesses and trusts Upton Sinclair Wrote The Jungle- exposed horrors of meatpacking industry Outcome: Meat Inspection Act & Pure Food and Drug Act (1906) Jacob Riis Lewis Hines How the Other Half Lives – exposed problems of poverty and slums Photos of child labor Nellie Bly Wrote account of abuse in mental hospitals

Reform of Government Goal: to increase the people’s direct control of government Robert La Follette Direct Primary-party (Wisconsin) candidates chosen by voters instead of conventions The Oregon System Initiative-voters place issue on ballot Referendum- voters could accept or reject measures enacted by state legislatures Recall- voters may remove incompetent elected officials

Constitutional Changes Seventeenth Amendment:1912- set forth the direct election of senators (in the old way, state legislatures chose senators)