The Progressive Era : An introduction and the Reformers The Progressive Era
Progressivism was… : Progressivism was… A response to problems created by the Industrial Revolution (What were they?)
An attempt to help the poor and working class
An effort to curb the power of corruption
An undertaking of “purity” reform
Who were the reformers? : Who were the reformers? Socialists
Labor leaders
Child Labor reformers
Government Reformers
Muckrakers
Socialists : Socialists Government control of property & income
End capitalist system (inequality)
Redistribute wealth
Nationalize industries
No revolution—changes through elections
Socialist Party formed 1901
Labor Leaders : Labor Leaders Goal: unionize
Reducing hours, higher wages, safer working conditions
Union membership grew—bosses still used violence
Injunctions were a new tool
Illinois (1893) passed 1st labor law—limiting women’s hours
Child Labor Reformers : Child Labor Reformers Goal: end child labor
Many parents DID NOT support this—Why?
1st law—Illinois (1893)
Jane Adams & Florence Kelly (Chicago)—famous reformers
They also fought for women’s reforms
Government Reformers : Government Reformers Wanted to get rid of corruption
End Boss System
Best way—Civil Service System
Home Rule (local government out from states)
Muckrakers : Muckrakers Used investigative techniques
Informed the public of wrongs in business, government, and society
Most famous—Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle
Pres. Roosevelt read their stuff
Sheep Run Video (funny)
Progressive Legislation (State & Local) : Progressive Legislation (State & Local) New forms of government (City Manager)
Cities take over utilities
Cities—welfare services; parks
Primaries, initiative, referendum, recall
Fire inspections; workers comp laws
Minimum wage and maximum hour laws for women
Child Labor (under 14) abolished
Progressive Legislation (Federal) : Progressive Legislation (Federal) 16th Amendment (Income Tax)
17th Amendment (Direct election of Senators)
18th Amendment (Prohibition)
19th Amendment (Women right to vote)