1. The Progressive Era

2. The Rise of Progressivism
Rapid growth of cities and industry during the Industrial Age created many problems within society
Corruption in government
Large gap between the rich and poor
Social and political reform movements organized to solve these problems
Became known as Progressivism

4. Progressive Reformer Goals
Promote social welfare
Reformers wanted to help the poor, the unemployed, immigrants and workers
Expand democracy
Wanted to give citizens more voice in government
Create economic reform
Wanted to limit the power of corporations, trusts, and monopolies

5. Muckrakers
Muckraker: nickname given to journalists who exposed corruption in American society.
Their articles fueled public demand for reform (change)

6. Government Reform
Patronage: when government officials hand out jobs in exchange for political support
Progressives wanted jobs to go to workers who were qualified for them
Pendleton Civil Service Act, 1883
Required candidates to pass exams for some government jobs
Prevented officials from firing workers for political reasons

7. Expanding Democracy
Direct Primary – election that allows voters to choose candidates for public office
This makes public officials more accountable to the people
Other Reforms:
Initiative - voters may directly propose laws
Referendum - voters can approve proposed laws
Recall - Elected officials can be voted out of office

8. Creating Economic Reform
By the late 1800s, business leaders in some major industries formed trusts
(e.g. Standard Oil Trust)
Progressive reformers wanted to limit the power of big businesses and regulate activities
Sherman Antitrust Act, 1890
Made it illegal for corporations to seize control of an industry by creating a trust
The law was not enforced by government at first, a strong president was needed

9. Roosevelt’s Square Deal
Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901 after William McKinley was assassinated
He became known for fighting corruption in politics
His progressive policies became known as the “Square Deal”

10. He began reforming by enforcing the Sherman Antitrust Act
Roosevelt felt government’s purpose was to ensure fairness or a “square deal” for all citizens
He began reforming by enforcing the Sherman Antitrust Act
Successfully dissolved the Standard Oil Company, and other trusts (e.g. railroad and tobacco trusts)