The Progressive Era

what does reform mean?

change

what are the breaker boys?

kids who worked in coal mines

3 facts about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Company Fire?

146 women were killed, ranging from ages 14-43. High fatality rate caused by unsafe working condtions; mostly new immigrants (jewish and italian) 

why was the Progressive Reform Movement successful (unlike populism)?

focused on the cities, focused on the middle class (more money and education than farmers), and a more moderate/gradual change, which resulted in both parties embracing it.

what were goals of the progressives?

bigger role for common people in the government, secret ballot and direct election of senators, regulate big businesses, better wages and working conditions, better health and medical care, and conservation of the environment. 

who was Jane Addams and what did she do?

“mother of social work” whp was a wealthy woman who became a suffragette and community activist; founded the Hull House in chicago 1889 which was one of the nation’s first community center and first woman to earn the nobel peace prize in 1931.

who was Robert LaFollete and what did he do?

first progressive governor, senator in wisconsin, established direct primaries, corporate taxes, and strict business regulations.

what are the Muckrakers?

name originated from TR’s insult, but they are reform minded journalists (known as investigative reporters today)

3 examples of Muckrakers

Upton Sinclair, “The Jungle”; Ida Tarbell, “The Rise of Standard Oil Company”; Jacob Rils “How the other Half Lives”; William Temple Hornday, “Our Vanishing Wildlife”

who was the first progressive (and youngest) president?

Theodore Roosevelt at 42 years old (1901-1908); progressive NY governor at first who angered the conservative republican party bosses, then became VP in 1900 election, later becoming president after McKinley’s assassination.

What are some legends of TR?

Dinner with Booker T. Washington; Teddy Bear named after bear story; TR’s Domestic Policy: the Square Deal.

SQD 1: Pennsylvania Coal Strike (1902)

workers demanded an 8 hr work day and 20% wage increase with collective bargaining, owners wanted no change made. TR abritration and created a compromise (first thing workers got smth)

SQD 2: Regulation of Big Businesses

TR referred to as “Trust Buster” (anti-monopoly), passed the Sherman Anti-Trust Act (1980) which was already a law but never enforced. Examples are Northern Security Companies owned by J.P. Morgan and Standard Oil.

SQD 3: Public Health laws

passed the Meat Inspection Act (1906), Pure Food and Drug Act (1906), and FDA which is inspection of food and testing over the counter drugs

runners of election of 1904? and winner?

republican: TR (winner); democrat: Alton Parker (from NY as well)

SQD 4: conservation

TR set aside more land for national parks than any other president; established 5 national parks, 55 wildlife sanctuaries, and 150 national forests (ex: Glacier Point Yosemite in CA with the help of John Muir - founder of Sierra Club)

TR’s Foreign Policy