1. The Populists and the Progressives
Reform Movements
The Populists and the Progressives

2. Problems facing America In the Early 1900’s
Economic growth due to industrialization led to a growing middle class.
However, this growth led to a widening gap between the rich and the poor
Poor working conditions got worse for most factory workers
Living standards were at their lowest, especially in urban areas.
Factories were unsanitary and dangerous.
Politics of this era were also very corrupt.
Many government jobs were being given to friends of politicians only (called patronage), and not based on merit.

3. The Populist Movement
What type of American supported the Populist Party?
Poor farmers that were being beaten out by large, commercial farms.
How did they plan to expand the money supply in America? How would this work?
Free Silver: plan that called for the United States to base the currency both on silver and gold, therefore expanding our currency and providing more money to the people. Any problems with this?

4. Populism (continued)
What plan, allowing farmers to borrow money from the government, was part of the Populist Platform? How would this benefit farmers?
The government would allow farmers to store there crops as collateral, then borrow money from the government. The crops could be held there until the price went up.

5. The Populist Movement Other aspects of the Populist Platform:
Abolition of National Banks
Direct election of United States Senators
Government ownership of railroads, telephones and telegraphs.
Graduated Income Tax
Inflation of the Currency
Why were the Populists anti-Semitic?
Looked at the Jews as being in control of the major financial institutions of the U.S. They felt that power was being abused in order to keep the Jews rich and the farmers poor.

6. The Progressives
As the Populist Movement fell in popularity more and more due to its limited appeal and prejudice tendencies, the Progressive Movement arose.
This group consisted mostly middle class, native born, college educated Americans
Most gained their knowledge of poor working/living conditions through political discussions in college.

7. Different Progressive Groups
Many organizations form during this time period in order to promote reform for their cause.
Identify each group and discuss their goals:
Muckrakers
The Settlement House Movement
Women’s Trade Union League
National American Woman Suffrage Association
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Women’s Christian Temperance Movement

8. Progressive Groups Muckrakers
Group of college educated writers that desired to expose America’s problems to the masses in hope that attention would bring action.
Examples: Jacob Riis exposes city life, Ida Tarbell, the problems of the Standard Oil Trust, Lincoln Steffens, urban political corruption.

9. Progressive Groups Settlement House Movement
Argued against Social Darwinism
It was not genetics, but the environment that did not allow people to be successful.
It was the job of the middle class to aid immigrants in becoming familiar with the language and customs of America
Many prominent 20th Century women got their start with the Settlement House Movement, like Eleanor Roosevelt

10. Women’s Trade Union League
Sought out equal work opportunity for women in the United States
Attempted to get women in the workplace organized for strikes, etc.

11. National American Woman Suffrage Association
A growing movement in the early 1900’s, women’s suffrage was finally gaining ground on its opponents thanks to the increased ability to organize.
Groups like the WTLU and Settlement House Movement got women experience in this style of political sophistication.
Thanks to this organization and their efforts, the 19th Amendment was passed in all 50 states in 1920.

12. NAACP
Founded largely due to the work of W.E.B. Du Bois, the NAACP was not a radical or even egalitarian group
Instead, they sought to gain opportunities and advancement for the most intelligent and talented African Americans.
By training its elite, the NAACP felt it would then have a group capable of leading a fight for black rights.

13. Women’s Christian Temperance Union
The temperance movement dates back to just prior to the Civil War.
Having largely evangelical tones, these reformers felt that American society was becoming immoral and corrupt.
Published books on the “evils of alcohol” and the connection between drunkenness and domestic violence.
Joined by the Anti-Saloon League, the WCTU pushed for prohibition.
With the 18th Amendment, the selling of alcohol became illegal in the United States.

14. Theodore Roosevelt and the Progressives
Chapter 22
Describe the process in which Theodore Roosevelt became President.
Identify each of the following:
Bureau of Corporations
Northern Securities Company
J.P. Morgan
Trustbusting
Alton B. Parker
Hepburn Act
Pure Food and Drug Act
Meat Inspection Act
Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle