ch—20-21
Chapter 20: Dissent, Depression, and War 1890-1900
Learning Objectives
Identify economic and social challenges faced by American farmers and laborers.
Explain factors leading to the labor wars of the 1890s.
Characterize political activism by American women in the late 19th century.
Describe the political climate during the 1893 depression and key issues of the 1896 election.
Explain American expansionism and imperialism at the end of the 19th century.
Frances Willard and the WCTU
Frances Willard was a reform leader who urged for political change in 1892.
Led the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU), promoting temperance and women's suffrage.
The St. Louis convention saw significant demands including business regulation and labor rights.
Despite enthusiasm, the party resisted strong endorsement of suffrage and temperance.
The Birth of the People’s Party
Originated from alliances among farmers, laborers, and women’s groups.
The Populist movement emerged due to agrarian distress and demands for economic reforms.
Advocated for a more active government role in the economy during the turbulent 1890s.
Economic Hardships for Farmers
Farmers faced plummeting prices, high debt, and oppressive banking practices.
The rise of the Farmers' Alliances initiated a collective response to fight for change.
Regional alliances consolidated into two groups: the Northwestern and Southern Farmers’ Alliances.
The Populist Movement
Formed in 1892, the People’s Party represented a coalition of labor and agrarian interests.
Advocated for a subtreasury plan, government ownership of railroads, and direct election of senators.
The Populist agenda was a reaction to economic challenges rather than a radical shift.
Labor Wars of the 1890s
The decade featured significant labor strikes, including the Homestead lockout and the Pullman boycott.
Industrial workers organized collectively for better working conditions, leading to confrontations with management.
The Pullman strike illustrated the tensions between labor rights and private property rights.
Women’s Activism
Frances Willard and others mobilized women for political and social action:
WCTU emphasized the necessity of suffrage for women’s rights.
The suffrage movement grew, including women like Alice Paul, advocating for voting rights.
The 1893 Depression and Political Climate
The economic downturn led to unrest and demands for government intervention.
Jacob S. Coxey’s army highlighted federal reliance to address unemployment through public works.
Populists gained momentum, making significant demands during the 1896 election.
American Expansionism
The late 19th century witnessed the U.S. transition from isolationism to interventionist policies.
Economic motivations fueled expansionist policies as businesses sought new markets.
Key events included the Boxer Rebellion and the Spanish-American War, shaping U.S. foreign policy.
Conclusion
The decade was characterized by intense social and political upheaval, which laid the groundwork for future reforms in the Progressive Era.
The failure of the Populist Party in the 1896 election did not extinguish the spirit of activism advocating for economic fairness and democratic reform.
Chapter 21: Progressivism and Reform (approximately 1900-1920)
Learning Objectives
Identify key reforms and movements of the Progressive Era.
Discuss the role of muckrakers in exposing social issues.
Explain the impact of women’s suffrage and labor activism.
Analyze the political changes during the early 20th century, including party realignment.
Examine America's role in World War I and its resultant social transformations.
The Progressive Movement
Overview: The Progressive Era emerged in response to the social and political challenges brought on by industrialization, urbanization, and increasing corruption in government during the turn of the 20th century.
Key Characteristics: Progressives aimed to address issues like poverty, monopolies, labor conditions, women's rights, and social justice through reforms at local, state, and national levels.
Main Goals:
Improving democracy through initiatives like the direct election of senators (17th Amendment).
Women’s suffrage, which sought to grant women the right to vote.
Establishment of regulatory agencies (e.g., Food and Drug Administration) to combat corporate power and protect consumers.
Social welfare initiatives, including public health reforms and educational reforms.
Muckrakers and Social Reform
Role of Muckrakers: Investigative journalists known as muckrakers sought to expose corruption in politics and businesses, shining a light on social injustices and advocating for reform.
Notable Muckrakers:
Upton Sinclair: His novel "The Jungle" exposed the horrid conditions in the meatpacking industry, prompting public outrage and the Purity of Food and Drug Act of 1906.
Ida Tarbell: Investigated the Standard Oil Company, revealing unethical practices that led to public demand for regulation and eventually to the company’s breakup in 1911.
Lincoln Steffens: His series "The Shame of the Cities" exposed political corruption in urban areas, increasing public awareness of the need for political reform.
Impact: The writings of muckrakers prompted public outrage and led to significant legislative changes aimed at improving social conditions and regulatory oversight.
Women’s Suffrage Movement
Advancement of Women's Rights: The drive for women's suffrage gained significant traction during the Progressive Era, aiming for voting rights through organized campaigns and protests.
Key Figures:
Susan B. Anthony: A pioneer of women’s rights, she played a pivotal role in the suffrage movement and founded the National Woman Suffrage Association.
Alice Paul: Advocated for a more militant approach, organizing protests and hunger strikes to secure the vote for women.
Carrie Chapman Catt: Developed the “Winning Plan,” focusing on state-by-state campaigns and emphasizing the significance of women voters in elections.
Outcome: The suffrage movement culminated in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women the right to vote, representing a significant victory for the movement.
Labor Activism
Rise of Labor Unions: The early 20th century saw increased organization among workers demanding better wages, working conditions, and hours, significantly contributing to the labor movement's growth.
Major Strikes:
1902 Anthracite Coal Strike: Workers demanded shorter hours and higher wages, leading to President Theodore Roosevelt mediating the dispute for the first time, demonstrating government’s increasing involvement in labor issues.
1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: A tragic disaster that highlighted the dangers workers faced, resulting in reforms in workplace safety and labor laws, including regulations on work hours and conditions.
Legislative Gains: Labor activism prompted government intervention through regulations such as child labor laws, establishment of minimum wage standards, and workers' compensation acts.
Political Changes and Party Realignment
Shift in Political Landscape: The Progressive Era marked a shift in political alignments, with the Republican Party initially embracing Progressive reforms before facing ideological splits leading to alternative parties’ emergence.
Emergence of New Parties: The formation of the Progressive Party (the "Bull Moose Party") in 1912 by Theodore Roosevelt illustrated the growing divide within the Republican Party on reformist issues and the appeal to progressive ideals.
Roles of Democratic Party: The Democratic Party, under Woodrow Wilson, embraced Progressive reforms, implementing significant legislative changes during his presidency, including the Federal Reserve Act (1913) and the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914), which aimed to regulate big business practices.
America's Role in World War I
Entry into War: The U.S. entered World War I in 1917 due to factors such as unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany, the sinking of the Lusitania, and the Zimmermann Telegram, where Germany proposed a military alliance with Mexico against the U.S.
Societal Transformations: The war effort spurred economic growth and social changes, including the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities in search of jobs, leading to urban population shifts and cultural exchanges.
Post-War Changes: The end of the war resulted in significant societal changes, as returning soldiers faced a country grappling with labor strikes, racial tensions, and the rise of the Red Scare, causing fear of communism and radical politics in America.
Conclusion
Legacy of the Progressive Era: The developments during this era laid the groundwork for subsequent reforms in government, social justice, and workers' rights, permanently altering the American political landscape and setting the stage for future civil rights movements.
Continued Struggle for Justice: Despite significant achievements, social and economic inequalities persisted, indicating that the struggle for reform and justice would continue into the 20th century and beyond. The legacy of progressivism remains evident in modern reforms and ongoing activism for social justice.