1. Roosevelt and Progressivism “The Rise of Progressivism”
Chapter 8 Section 1
Roosevelt and Progressivism
“The Rise of Progressivism”

2. The Problems of the late 1800s
Poverty
The spread of Slums
Poor working conditions in factories
Economic depression
Corrupt politicians
Big Corporations with lots of control

3. Reforms in Government
Reformers wanted to get rid of the Patronage System: Elected officials gave out government jobs in return for political support
Congress passed the Pendleton Civil Service Act – requiring people to pass an exam in order to get a gov’t job

4. Solutions to the Problems
SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS? -- A reform movement known as Progressivism
The Progressives had 3 Major Goals
1. Expand Democracy
2. Protect Social Welfare
3. Create Economic Reform

5. Expanding Democracy
More people should be receiving benefits of democracy…HOW DOES IT WORK?
Direct Primary: voters choose candidate
Initiative: voters propose laws directly
Referendum: law is proposed – people vote it either for it, or against it
Recall: voters directly remove somebody from elected office

6. Promoting Social Welfare
Aid to the unemployed
Minimum wage laws
Limits on the number of hours women and children could work
Prohibition

7. Creating Economic Reform
Breaking up Trusts
Regulating industry
The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 made it illegal for corporations to form trusts (in effect controlling the entire industry)

8. Teddy Roosevelt
Became President in 1901 when Pres. William McKinley was assassinated
Became the first “Progressive” President
Wanted to ensure a “square-deal” or “fairness” for workers, consumers, and business

9. Roosevelt the “trust-buster”
First president to enforce the Sherman Antitrust Act
Broke up the railroad, tobacco, and Standard Oil Company trusts
Also targeted poor conditions in meat-packing plants

10. Roosevelt & Conservation
T.R. was very worried about the loss of natural resources
Preserved more than 200 million acres
Wildlife refuges
National parks
Protected the Grand Canyon in Arizona