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The rise of large cities transformed American society and politics by exposing serious problems caused by rapid industrialization and immigration. Overcrowded tenements, dangerous working conditions highlighted by the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire, and corruption from political machines led many Americans to support progressivism. Reformers such as Jane Addams at Hull House and journalists like Jacob Riis and Upton Sinclair used muckraking to reveal urban poverty and unsafe industries, pushing the government to act. These efforts resulted in reforms like the Pure Food and Drug Act and labor protections championed by groups such as the National Consumers’ League, showing how growing cities reshaped politics by expanding the role of government in solving social problems.
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Chicago School
group of sociologists who studied urban life and social problems in rapidly growing cities
mutual aid society
voluntary organizations formed to provide support and services to members, especially immigrants
race riot
violent clashes between racial groups, often triggered by economic and houseing tensions
tenement
overcrowded and poorly built urban apartment buildings for working class families
vaudeville
popular form of live entertainment featuring comedy, music, and novelty acts
ragtime
style of music characterized by syncopated rhythms
Scott Joplin
composer known as “King of Ragtime”
blues
musical genre expressing hardship and emotion, rooted in African American experiences
yellow journalism
sensationalized news reporting meant to attract readers
muckrakers
journalists who exposed corruption and social problems
political machine
organized political group that controlled city government through patronage
Tom Johnson
progressive mayor of cleveland who pushed urban reform
National Municipal League
organization promoting efficient and honest city government
progressivism
reform movement aimed at addressing problems caused by industrialization
Jacob Riis
photographer and writer who exposed urban poverty
“City Beautiful” movement
urban planning promoting beautification to improve city life
social settlement
community centers providing services to the urban poor
Hull House
major settlement house founded in Chicago
Jane Addams
social reformer and founder of Hull House
Margaret Sanger
activist who promoted birth control
Upton Sinclair
novelist and muckraker who exposed industrial abuses
pure food and drug act
law regulating food and medicine safety
National Consumers’ League
organization advocating for fair labor practices
Florence Kelley
reformer who fought for labor and consumer protections
Women’s Trade Union League
organization supporting women laborers and unions
Triangle Shirtwaist Fire
factory fire that killed many garment workers in 1911