The Progressives – Political solutions to economic and social problems

I. The Progressive movement sought to correct the ills of American society caused by: ☞ expanding industrialization ☞ the practices of big business ☞ expanding urbanization ☞ political corruption on state and local levels (machines) The sidewalk below the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory.

II. The supporters of the Progressive movement included many: ☞ middle-class, native-born, white urban dwellers ☞ political leaders (Robert LaFollette) ☞ writers (muckrakers) ☞ farmers, former Populists William Jennings Bryan campaigning as a Populist in 1894

As a result of the Progressive movement: ☞ the public exhibited a growing concern for social reform ☞ laws were passed that protected both labor and consumers ☞ laws were passed that extended democracy to the municipal (local) level ☞ curbs (limits) were placed on big business

The Features of Progressivism ☞ More Democracy ☞ “Gospel of Efficiency” ☞ Regulation of Giant Corporations Socialism Public Utilities Slight Regulation of Corporations Laissez Faire ☞ Social Justice

TR the Trustbuster!

V. The major failures of the Progressive movement were: ☞ many reforms were only temporary ☞ although curbs were placed on unfair business practices, they were not always effective ☞ minority groups were unaffected by reform legislation