The American Promise: A Concise History, Volume 2 Chapter 21

How did grassroots progressives attack problems in urban industrial America?

They focused on social welfare, improving living conditions, fighting corruption, supporting labor rights, and promoting political reforms.

How did reformers work to "civilize the city"?

By improving sanitation, housing, creating parks, building schools, and supporting settlement houses.

How did middle-class progressives ally with the working class?

They supported labor unions, pushed for child labor laws, and worked to improve working conditions.

What were key tenets of progressive theory?

Belief in government intervention to address social problems, efficiency in government, and faith in science and expertise.

What is the theory of reform Darwinism?

A belief that society could improve through the application of scientific principles and social reforms.

What did progressive city and state government look like?

It was more efficient, non-partisan, and focused on regulating businesses and providing public services.

How did Theodore Roosevelt advance the progressive agenda?

Through trust-busting, conservation efforts, regulatory reforms, and championing the "Square Deal."

What was Roosevelt's Square Deal?

A policy promoting fairness for workers, consumers, and businesses through government regulation and conservation.

How effective was Roosevelt as a reformer?

He broke up monopolies, passed food and drug laws, and expanded national parks, but faced limits from Congress and business interests.

Why did Roosevelt champion conservation?

To protect natural resources for future generations and limit corporate exploitation.

Why did Roosevelt describe his foreign policy as "Speak softly but carry a big stick"?

To emphasize peaceful negotiation backed by the threat of military strength.

Why did William Howard Taft have a troubled presidency?

He faced divisions in the Republican Party and was less popular for his cautious reforms.

How did progressivism evolve during Woodrow Wilson's first term?

Wilson promoted reforms in tariffs, banking, and trusts but faced criticism for not fully supporting civil rights.

How could all four presidential candidates in 1912 claim to be progressives?

They supported various reforms addressing social justice, business regulation, and political change from different ideological perspectives.

Why did Wilson focus progressive reforms on tariffs, banking, and trusts?

To promote economic fairness, reduce corporate power, and stabilize the financial system.

Why has Wilson been called a reluctant progressive?

Because he prioritized some reforms but showed resistance on racial justice and labor rights.

What were limits of progressive reform?

It often excluded minorities, did not resolve labor conflicts, and maintained some social inequalities.

How did progressives view child labor?

As a problem needing strict laws to protect children and improve education.

What was a key feature of progressive labor reforms?

Establishing workers' compensation and limiting work hours.

How did progressives address political corruption?

By promoting direct primaries, initiatives, referendums, and recall elections.

How did progressives improve public health?

Through sanitation projects, food and drug regulations, and campaigns against disease.

What role did women play in the Progressive Era?

They were leaders in social reform movements and campaigned for suffrage.

How did African Americans experience progressive reform?

Often marginalized, with limited benefits and persistent racial discrimination.

How did progressive reforms affect urban governance?

They professionalized cities and reduced the influence of political machines.

How did the Progressive Era give rise to the liberal state?

By expanding government's role in economic regulation and social welfare.