America: Pathways to the Present The Progressive Reform Era (1890–1920) Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. All rights reserved.

AKA...The Gilded Age ( ) Because when you look beyond the good things happening in society, there were many problems. Gilded – cheap center covered w/ thin layer of gold (coined by Mark Twain in an 1873 book)

Rapid industrialization, immigration, and urbanization led to national growth and prosperity.Rapid industrialization, immigration, and urbanization led to national growth and prosperity. Life in Urban America

Rapid growth also caused poverty, unemployment, poor working conditions and political corruption.

Many Progressives believed that political action and reform were required for progress in society.

MUCKRAKERS Journalists that exposed turn of the century problems such as illegal business activities, putrid food, quack medicines, squalid living conditions, dangerous working conditions, etc. The uncovering of these awful truths led progressives to demand changes.

Exposed the shameful living conditions in city tenements Exposed Big City Political Corruption Exposed the ruthless practices of big business Exposed the horrors of the meatpacking industry The Jungle History of Standard Oil SOME FAMOUS MUCKRAKERS How the Other Half Lives Ida Tarbell Lincoln Steffens Shame of the Cities Jacob Riis Upton Sinclair

Progressives were not a single unified movement. Their efforts fell into four categories: The Progressives: Their Goals and Beliefs Social Reform Moral Reform Economic Reform Political Reform

Economic Reforms

Economic Reformers sought to curb the power and influence of wealthy interests. Economic Reform »Monopolies »Trusts »Gap between Rich and Poor

An act to protect trade and commerce against unlawful restraints and monopolies. Sherman Anti-Trust Act

16 th Amendment Income Tax! How can that be a good thing?How can that be a good thing? A “Progressive Tax” – the more income you make, the more tax you pay. Reduces the gap between rich and poor!Reduces the gap between rich and poor!

Moral Reforms

Moral Reform Many felt the Morals of our society were at the root of many turn of the century problems. - Moral Reformers sought to promote Moral Improvements: End Prostitution End Gambling End Drunkenness Educate Children Americanize and/or Restrict Entry of Immigrants

The Evils of Alcohol The Evils of Alcohol Moral Reform

Carrie Nation – “Saloon Smasher” Extremely religious upbringing Married a drinker (against parents wishes) who died when their daughter was an infant Second marriage also unsuccessful - divorced

Carrie Nation – “Saloon Hatcher” Used a hatchet to meet goals of temperance movement: 1. destroy property 2. convert saloon keepers

18 th amendment Prohibition!Prohibition! Beginning in 1920, the manufacture, transportation and sale of alcohol is prohibited!