ch 28-29

Progressivism

A reform movement aimed at improving life in the industrial age through moderate political changes and social improvements.

Goals of Progressives

Limit the power of big business, improve democracy, and strengthen social justice.

Theodore Roosevelt

Progressive president who brought national momentum to the movement and initiated many reforms.

Muckrakers

Investigative journalists who exposed corruption and abuses in business and government.

Square Deal

Roosevelt's program for labor, which included control of corporations, consumer protection, and conservation of natural resources.

Initiative

A method allowing voters to propose legislation directly to the legislature.

Referendum

A process allowing citizens to vote on proposed laws directly.

Recall

A procedure enabling voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term.

Direct election of US Senators

The process established by the 17th Amendment for directly electing senators by popular vote.

The Social Gospel

A religious movement that preached against social issues and advocated for social justice.

Federal Reserve Act

The 1913 act that established a nationwide system of regional banks to control and stabilize the financial system.

Clayton Antitrust Act

A 1914 law that strengthened antitrust laws and protected the rights of labor unions.

New Nationalism

Roosevelt's progressive platform advocating for strong federal government regulation of the economy.

New Freedom

Wilson's progressive platform focused on reducing the power of government and big businesses, supporting small enterprises.

Elkins Act

A 1903 law that imposed fines on railroads offering rebates and shippers who accepted them.

Hepburn Act

A 1906 law that strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission by expanding its authority.

The Roosevelt Panic of 1907

A short economic downturn leading to financial reforms and the Aldrich-Vreeland Act.

Payne-Aldrich Bill

A 1909 tariff bill that angered many Republicans for maintaining high tariffs.

Bull Moose Party

The Progressive Republican Party formed by Roosevelt for the 1912 election.

Wilson's Triple Wall of Privilege

The tariff, the banks, and the trusts that he aimed to attack and reform.

Underwood Tariff Bill

A 1913 law that significantly reduced tariffs and implemented a graduated income tax.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

An agency created by the Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 to prevent unfair business practices.

Women's Trade Union League

An organization that sought to improve labor conditions for women workers.

Workingmen's Compensation Act of 1916

A law providing assistance to federal civil-service employees during periods of disability.

La Follette Seamen's Act of 1915

Legislation that required decent treatment and a living wage for sailors.

Adamson Act

A 1916 act that established an 8-hour workday for interstate rail workers.

Zimmermann Note

A secret diplomatic communication from Germany that proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the US.

Moral Diplomacy

Wilson's foreign policy that promoted moral and democratic ideals rather than economic or imperial interests.

Panama Canal Tolls Act

A law repealed by Wilson exempting American shipping from tolls on the Panama Canal.

Jones Act of 1916

Legislation granting territorial status to the Philippines and promising independence.

Tampico Incident

An event where American sailors were captured in Mexico, leading Wilson to order a naval intervention.

Federal Farm Loan Act of 1916

A law providing low-interest loans to farmers.

Desert Land Act of 1887

An act allowing the federal government to sell dry land cheaply if it would be irrigated.

American Expeditionary Forces

The US forces that fought alongside the Allies in World War I.

Lusitania

A British passenger ship sunk by German U-boats, contributing to the US's entry into WWI.

Sussex Pledge

Germany's promise to not sink unarmed passenger ships without warning.

Historical context of Progressivism

Progressivism arose in response to the rapid industrialization and social changes in early 20th-century America.

Major Progressives

Key figures include Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Robert La Follette.

Direct Primary Election

An election where voters directly select candidates rather than having them selected by party leaders.

Need for municipal reform

Progressives sought to eliminate corruption in local governments and improve urban conditions.

Child Labor Laws

Legislation aimed at restricting the employment of children in hazardous conditions.

Black Civil Rights during Progressivism

Progressives struggled against systemic racism, but often neglected the rights of African Americans.

Women in the Progressive Era

Women played crucial roles in reform movements such as suffrage and labor rights.

The National Consumers League

An organization advocating for consumer rights and safe working conditions for women and children.

Supreme Court's role in Progressivism

Ruled on key labor and business reform cases, influencing the trajectory of progressive legislation.

Impact of WWI on Progressivism

The war shifted public focus away from domestic reforms, marking an end to the Progressive era.

Professional class commitment

Middle-class professionals engaged in civic duties and reform movements during Progressivism.

Labor's role in Progressivism

Labor movements fought for workers' rights and protections in the industrial economy.

The Progressive Era's legacy

Set the stage for future reforms and established the importance of government intervention.

Racism and Jim Crow laws

Progressives addressed some social justice issues but often excluded racial equality from reforms.

The role of the state

Progressives believed government should take an active role in addressing economic and social issues.

Civic responsibility

The commitment of Progressives to actively improve society through political engagement.

William Jennings Bryan

Progressive Democratic leader known for his advocacy of social justice and direct democracy.

Trust-busting

The practice of breaking up monopolies and trusts to promote competition.

The role of economists in Progressivism

They often influenced policy debates and underscored the need for reform.

Media influence on Progressivism

Investigative journalism played a key role in exposing corruption and motivating reform.

Importance of women's suffrage

Women fought for their right to vote, aligning their efforts with broader social reforms.

Education reform

Progressives emphasized public education to create informed citizens capable of civic engagement.

Civic engagement

The active participation of citizens in their governments and communities during the Progressive era.

Political corruption

A significant concern for Progressives who sought to eliminate the influence of money in politics.

Community-based reforms

Local initiatives led by Progressives focused on improving living conditions and services.

Campaign finance reform

Efforts to limit money's influence in electoral politics, a continuing concern stemming from Progressivism.

Environmental conservation

A key focus of the Progressive movement, led notably by Theodore Roosevelt.

Cultural changes during Progressivism

A shift towards valuing social justice, women's rights, and labor protections.

Populists vs. Progressives

While both sought reform, Populists primarily represented rural interests, whereas Progressives were largely urban.

The significance of the 17th Amendment

It established direct election of senators, enhancing democratic participation.

The concept of pragmatism in Progressive philosophy

A belief that ideas should be tested through practical application rather than purely ideational.

Contributions of Progressivism to the New Deal

Many principles and reforms of Progressivism laid the groundwork for Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal.

Progressivism's impact on the federal government

The era significantly expanded the role of the federal government in American life.

William Howard Taft's presidency

Marked by conflict over progressive ideals, leading to the split of the Republican Party.

Conservation during the Progressive Era

Efforts led by Roosevelt to protect natural resources and establish national parks.