1. Progressive Era DBQ Essay
Assignment 1: Introduction
Go through and answer the questions on the power point. When you have finished with the questions construct an introductory paragraph for the essay prompt on the next slide. Your paragraph will need to include a thesis statement.

2. Progressives sought to restore economic competition, make government more efficient, and create a more pluralistic electorate in American politics. To what extent were progressives successful in achieving these goals?
The Prompt:

3. Restore Economic Competition
Who were the millionaires of the Gilded Age?
How did they get their wealth?
What was a “Robber Baron?”
What were some of the negatives to “Big Business?”
What did some of these Captains do to the competition?
How did the majority of the people live in the Gilded Age?
What were their working conditions like?
Could they effectively improve their working hours, wages or conditions? Why or Why Not?

4. Make government more efficient
Who was Boss Tweed?
What did political machines do to the democratic system?
How did political machines continue to stay in power?
Who did they feed upon?
Were political elections fair during the Gilded Age?
Fought to make lynching illegal.
What is lynching?
How were senators elected before the 17th amendment?

5. Create a more pluralist government
Why were the ladies fighting for the right to vote?
What were some of the tactics they used during this fight?
Who were some of the leaders?
When did they get the right to vote?
“Fighting Bob” aka Robert La Follette and his Wisconsin plan.
What did he create that helped the people with transportation?

6. Introduction Paragraph
First impressions are so important. How many times have you heard that? It is true that the first impression—whether it’s a first meeting with a person or the first sentence of a paper—sets the stage for a lasting opinion.
The introductory paragraph of any paper, long or short, should start with a sentence that piques the interest of your readers.
In a typical essay, that first sentence leads into two or three sentences that provide details about your subject or your process. All of these sentences build up to your thesis statement.
The thesis statement is the subject of much instruction and training. The entirety of your paper hangs on that sentence. But its function is to be informative and direct.
This means it’s not normally very exciting.
Remember to restate your prompt in some way.
Introduction Paragraph