Lec 13 National Level of Progressive Era

Introduction to the Progressive Era

• Discussion focuses on the Progressive Era, a movement for positive change in the United States from 1900 to 1917.

• Grassroots actions led by muckrakers expose corruption and issues in economics and safety, fostering a desire for societal reform.

• Movement are significantly led by middle-class women advocating for progressive ideals.

Transition from Grassroots to National Reform

• Grassroots Movement: Transition from emphasis on state-by-state grassroots campaigning to achieving national reforms.

• Role of Robert La Follette:

  • Known as "Fighting Bob," he campaigns for Wisconsin governor in 1900 on a platform of progressive ideals.

  • Focus on cracking down on big businesses, particularly railroads, and instituting tax reforms.

  • La Follette's campaign initially met with skepticism but leads to his victory, establishing Wisconsin as a model for progressive policies.

Progressive Reforms in Wisconsin

• Railroad Regulation: La Follette aims to regulate and tax railroads that monopolize land crucial for farming.

  • Taxing railroad properties encourages selling excess land to benefit aspiring farmers and promote fair land use.

• Tariff Issues: La Follette argues against high tariffs, believing they enable monopolies at the expense of small businesses.

  • Advocates for alternative taxation methods, leading to discussions on state income taxes as a revenue source.

• Direct Primaries: Proposes direct elections for representatives and senators, granting voters more say in candidate selection.

Theodore Roosevelt as a Progressive Republican

• Rise of Roosevelt: After serving as a war hero and gaining popularity, Roosevelt becomes Governor of New York, promoting progressive policies.

• Governor's Actions: Focuses on regulating big businesses, improving labor laws, and enhancing corporate taxes.

• Presidency: Assumes office following the assassination of McKinley in 1901, further embracing progressive ideals and seeking to enact reforms.

Progressive Ideals and Policies Under Roosevelt

• Square Deal: Roosevelt's approach to presidency aimed at fair policies benefiting all Americans, particularly in regulating big businesses.

• Elkins and Hepburn Acts: Enactment of laws to regulate railroads:

  • Elkins Act: Outlaws rebates to favored customers.

  • Hepburn Act: Establishes ICC oversight of maximum freight rates in interstate commerce.

• Environmental Conservation: First president to advocate for national parks and conservation practices, establishing Yellowstone and other parks.

• Food and Drug Regulations: Responds to Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" by passing:

  • Meat Inspection Act: Ensures safety standards for meat crossing state lines.

  • Pure Food and Drug Act: Mandates labeling and safety standards for food and drugs, leading to the formation of the FDA.

Roosevelt’s Popularity and Presidential Transition

• Popularity of Roosevelt leads to support for his successor, William Howard Taft, in the 1908 election.

• Taft struggles to maintain progressive momentum, particularly with tariff issues leading to division in the Republican Party.

Division of the Republican Party in 1912

• Taft's Tariff Controversy: Taft attempts to modify tariffs, resulting in renewed conflict within the Republican Party and a shift away from progressive policies.

• Creation of the Progressive Party: Roosevelt runs for president again in 1912 after failing to secure the Republican nomination.

  • Establishes the Progressive Party, also known as the "Bull Moose Party," emphasizing reformist principles.

1912 Election and Wilson's Victory

• Teddy Roosevelt and Taft split the Republican vote, enabling Woodrow Wilson and his Democratic platform of "New Freedom" to secure the presidency.

• Wilson's Progressive Platforms: Advocates for breaking up large corporations, distinct from Roosevelt's regulatory strategies.

  • Maintains limited focus on social progress issues during his first term.

End of the Progressive Era

• World War I shifts national focus away from domestic progressive reforms.

• With the onset of the war in 1917, the Progressive Era effectively concludes as American priorities evolve.