The Origins of Progressivism Political, economic and social changes would lead to many progressive...

The Origins of Progressivism

Political, economic and social changes would lead to many

progressive reforms in America

I. Four Goals of Progressivism:There were unsafe conditions, no rights

for women and children, large corporations, graft and political corruption.

The Progressive Movement aimed to return control of the government to the people and correct a lot of the injustices.

1. Protect Social Welfare2. Promote Moral Improvement3. Create economic change4. Foster efficiency (what does that

mean?)

A. Protecting Social Welfare:1. Organizations such as the YMCA was

created, The Salvation Army.2. Illinois Factory Act was the first act

to prohibit child labor and limited women’s working hours.

B. Promoting Moral Improvement3. Others felt that morality, not the

workplace needed to be fixed.

2. Many believed that if only poor immigrants “uplifted” themselves and improved their personal behavior, everything would be better.

a. Prohibition was a result of this – the banning of alcohol – why was Prohibition considered to be a moral problem?

b. The Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) was formed – they would enter bars, yelling at patrons and owners – urging them to throw out their alcohol…

3. WCTU also expanded the woman’s role in society – began to open schools for immigrants, visited prisons and asylums.

Democracy and Progressivism

1. Change first came to the state level – Party bosses usually controlled which candidates would run for office –

Robert Lafollette pressured sate legislatures to require each party to hold a DIRECT PRIMARY – in which ALL party members could vote for a candidate

2. Other electoral changes came in 3 new reforms: A. Initiative – allowed groups of people to introduce legislation and require a VOTE on it.

B. Referendum allowed proposed legislation to be SUBMITTED TO THE PEOPLE for APPROVAL

C. Recall allowed voters to demand a special election to remove an elected official from office

C. – Creating Economic Reform:Because of all of the new big business

practices and corruption, many began to urge for a socialist government.

“Muckrakers” – were journalists who would dig up “dirt” on corporations and big business owners such as Rockefeller and his Standard Oil Co.

D. – Fostering Efficiency1. This focused on the high costs of working

long hours both for the individual and society.

2. Scientific Management would study to see how quickly each task cold be performed – to cut the human workload as well as energy costs.

a. Factory work made people work more like machines – which crated a high turnover rated.

Natural Disasters also played a role.In 1900 a cat 5 hurricane leveled the

city of Galveston TX.The politicians in the city botched up

the relief effort – pocketing most of the $ given for clean u.

This sparked government reform as well on natural disasters.

III. Reform at the State Level.A. Protecting working children.1. Business hired children bc they

performed unskilled jobs for low wages and they had smaller hands.

2. However, more children were prone to fatigue, many developed health problems and stunted growth.

3. The result was legislation that banned child labor and set a maximum number of hours.

IV. Efforts to Limit Working Hours.1. Progressives also succeeded in

winning workers compensation to help families of workers who are hurt or killed on the job.

Teddy Roosevelt

A “Square Deal”

Speak softly and Carry a Big Stick…

Roosevelt’s Rise…

1. Became a leader in NY Politics2. Volunteer Calvary Brigade to fight at

San Juan Hill in Cuba3. Elected Governor of NY – eventually

became Vice President under William McKinley

4. What happened to McKinley?

Had over 35 careers in his lifetime:Published 35 booksA NaturalistLed scientific expeditions in Africa and

U.S.Expert on North American MammalsConservationistA HistorianA RancherFather of 6 children

The Modern Presidency

1. Youngest President at the age of 42.2. Dominated the media – was an avid

boxer, hunter, swimmer, runner3. Leadership and personality helped

him become a model for all future presidencies to be measured by.

4. Active, forceful leader – used this to control laws and control the media.

5. Made sure that common people received a “Square Deal”.

Believed in Federal Power

1. Trust-busting:A.Trusts – such as Standard Oil had

unfair business practices. ( Lowered prices to drive out

competitors then, jacked up prices again)

B.Ordered the Justice Dept. to begin suing Trusts for unfair practices

C.Filed 44 anti-trust suits against companies.

1902 Coal Strike..

A. 140,000 miners in PA went on strike demanding 20% raise.

B. Roosevelt interned himself. a. Called in both sides to the White

House b. Mine owners were scared

Roosevelt would take over the mines. c. Invited a 3rd party (a mediator) to

handle it. d. Why is this Important?

The Result..?

Roosevelt’s actions demonstrated a new Principle:

1. When a strike threatened the public, the government was expected to step in.

2. Reflected Progressive belief that disputes could be settled by experts.

Roosevelt would back several Progressive Laws and Movements:

Health and the Environment..

A. Regulating Food and DrugsRoosevelt’s actions demonstrated a

new Principle: 1. When a strike threatened the

public, the government was expected to step in.

2. Reflected Progressive belief that disputes could be settled by experts.

Roosevelt would back several Progressive Laws and Movements:

B. Pure Food and Drug Act.1. Before regulations, products claimed

to cure everything from cancer to hair loss.

2. Many products contained opium or cocaine.

3. 1906, Congress passed the Pure Food and Drug Act.

4. Halted sale of contaminated foods and medicines

5. Why is this important? Progressive belief that gave Americans truthful labels and information.

Conservation and Natural Resources

1. Farmers were leveling out forests and destroying/farming out prairie land.

2. Ranchers were over-grazing. 3. Coal companies were cluttering

the land with mines. 4. Cities dumped untreated sewage

into rivers and streams.

A. Conservation Measures 1. Set aside over 148 million acres

of land for forest reserve. 2. Established over 50 wildlife

sanctuaries. 3. Conservation, to them, meant

some areas would be preserved while others will be developed for common good.

How was he toward Civil Rights?

1. Appointed an African American as the head of Charleston, SC Customs House.

2. Invited Booker T. Washing to the White House.

(These were not considered huge actions)

3. W.E.B. Dubois, angered by the Progressive Era ignoring their cause, set up the NAACP.