1. Progressivism and Discrimination

2. Galveston Reforms City Government
As more Texans moved to cities, they found new problems and became more aware of existing ones.
The attempts of reformers to solve those political and social problems became known as the Progressive Movement.

3. Galveston Reforms City Government
After the storm of 1900, Galveston moved from a government with a mayor and a city council to a commission form of government—where citizens elect commissioners who together make most of the decisions and the mayor has little power.
Five commissioners made the city laws, and each member was in charge of a city department, such as police, fire, or water.
Many Texas cities soon adopted this form of government, as did cities across the nation.

4. The Terrell Election Law
The Progressives believed voting was the cornerstone or fundamental part of democracy.
In 1903, the Terrell Election Law was passed and required:

5. The Terrell Election Law
major political parties to hold
primary elections to select the party’s
official candidates.
A primary election is an election in
which party members choose the
party’s candidates for the general
election.

6. The Terrell Election Law
The law also called for secret
ballots and restricted
campaigning near polling
booths.

7. Votes for Women
Several groups were organized to change election laws exempting women from voting.
In 1893, Rebecca Henry Hayes founded the Texas Equal Rights Association (“TERA”) of Galveston, and in 1903 the Finnegan sisters founded the Equal Suffrage League of Houston.

8. Votes for Women
c. Those strongly opposed to women’s suffrage argued that women had no need to vote, and that men would protect their rights. They also argued that women involved in politics would neglect their homes and children.

9. Votes for Women
d. Suffragists argued that if a woman could be held legally responsible for her actions, she should be able to vote.
They also argued that if women had the right to vote they would be more effective in their traditional roles.
They claimed women could vote for better schools, more playground, safer parks, and improved public health

10. Votes for Women
f. In 1918, Texas women made a deal with the new governor, William P. Hobby. They promised to support him in his election if he would sign a bill allowing women to vote in primaries.
g. Hobby agreed, women voted for the first time, and he won by a landslide.
Gov. William P. Hobby

11. Votes for Women
In 1920, the Nineteenth (19th) Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted full voting rights to women.

12. Prohibition
a. Progressive reformers targeted the sale of alcohol beverages as the center of social problems. They argued that saloons were associated with illegal activities.
b. Organizations such as the Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), the Anti-Saloon League and church groups worked to pass a law to prohibit alcoholic beverages.

13. Opposition to Prohibition
c. The brewing industry opposed prohibition, as did conservatives who opposed a strong federal government.

14. Prohibition Laws
d. In 1918, Texas approved a statewide prohibition law making it illegal to make and sell alcohol in Texas.
e. In 1919 the Eighteenth (18th) Amendment to the U.S. Constitution made prohibition the law of the land.
f. The 18th Amendment was an unpopular law and it was eventually repealed in 1933.

15. Populism
Many struggling farmers believed government reforms were necessary. In August 1891, they founded a new political party in Dallas called the Texas People’s Party (or Populist Party).
Their goal was to create policies that benefitted farmers.
The Populists welcomed African American farmers, including J.B. Rayner, a former slave who became a successful writer, politician, and educator.
Some populist candidates were elected to important offices in Texas and granted benefits to farmers.

16. J.B. Rayner

17. Religious Reforms
Progressives focused on social morality, a return to religion, and community service.
The Young Men’s Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) was a very influential organization that successfully promoted “daily evangelical Christianity,” while promoting good sportsmanship in athletic contests in gyms. The YMCA remains much the same today.

18. Discrimination in Texas
Democratic Party passed Jim Crow laws, that discriminated against African Americans and many Mexican-Americans.
Discrimination was present in housing and education, too. African Americans, as well as Mexican-Americans lived in sections of towns with inadequate housing, lighting, sewage, and police protection. Children attended separate schools which were often poorly constructed, lacking basic school equipment and supplies.

20. Discrimination in Texas
Racial unrest led to violence. Those accused of minor crimes were sometimes lynched by mobs (usually K.K.K.).
Ku Klux Klan was a politically powerful group during this time.
Democratic Party requires payment of a poll tax and adopts a “whites only” restriction for the primary election. These bar most African Americans from voting and/or participating in politics.

21. Ku Klux Klan

22. NAACP and Mutualistas
1912 – In Houston, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (N.A.A.C.P.) began. They worked to end discrimination and create racial equality.
Mexican Americans joined labor unions and formed mutualistas (mutual assistance societies) to provide community service with weddings, funerals, and aid to the poor.