Progressive Period

Contradictions of the Industrial development  raised the standard of living for millions of Americans  but also brought about the rise of national labor unions and clashes between industry and labor

 Social problems in rural and urban settings gave rise to third-party movements and the beginning of the Progressive Movement.

Progressive Movement  The Movement used the government to reform problems created by industrialization

Labor Problems  Corporate leaders engaged in immoral labor practices  Dangerous working conditions  Child labor  Long hours, low wages, no job security, no benefits

(Labor Problems)  Company towns grew

Conditions Demanding Reform  Monopolies stifled competition from small businesses, charged excessive prices, and exploited workers  Growth of the super-rich threatened political democracy  Corrupt politicians

Child Labor Reforms  Muckrakers wrote about the conditions  Between 1902 and 1908 a group of writers exposed the evils of business monopoly and government corruption  Described the abuses of child labor  Pushed for child labor legislation

Governmental Reforms  Wealthy men were able to bribe their way into the US Senate  The 17 th Amendment to the Constitution called for the election of senators by popular vote.

Women’s Suffrage  This was the forerunner of the modern protest movement  It benefited from strong leadership (e.g., Susan B. Anthony)  Encouraged women to enter the labor force during World War I  Resulted in the 19 th Amendment