Hist 2-14-25

Transition from Gilded Age to Progressive Era

• This week's discussion centers on the politics transitioning from the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era, focusing on the transformative forces at play.

• Emphasis on continuity and change, examining the recurring themes and echoes from the prior era to the Progressive Era.

Political Dynamics in the Late 1800s

• From the 1890s to the early 1900s, the political landscape begins to shift dramatically.

• The narrative of party politics is dominated by bloody shirt politics, which influences party loyalty and voter behavior based on identity rather than ideology.

Republican Party Characteristics (Circa 1896)

• Rooted in banking and business, the Republican Party embodies pro-business sentiments, supporting sound money (gold standard) and high protective tariffs.

• By 1900, imperialism becomes an additional facet of the party's platform, creating tension between protective tariffs and the need for international trade.

• The party also includes diverse elements such as social reformers and skilled artisans, reflecting internal conflict between interests.

Democratic Party Characteristics

• Emergence of a Democratic Party that rallies anti-corruption reformers motivated by the scandals of the Grant administration.

• The party represents unskilled workers and is focused on the issue of bimetalism, advocating for the use of both gold and silver to ease debt.

• Notably, the party remains marred by racial segregation sentiments despite its reformist aspirations.

Populist Movement

• The Populist Party arises, drawing support from various groups including interracial Southern tenant farmers and Western farmers, yet with anti-immigrant sentiments complicating its platform.

• Intersection with the Democratic Party, led by figures like William Jennings Bryan, demonstrates the merging of labor and agrarian interests but also highlights exclusionary practices against marginalized groups.

Rise of Progressivism (1890s - Early 1900s)

• Discussion builds towards the explosive growth of progressive reforms aimed at addressing societal issues stemming from the excesses of the Gilded Age.

• Multiple movements emerge, seeking to identify, articulate, and rectify societal problems, with an emphasis on generating public outrage.

The Role of Exposés in Progressive Reform

• Key to progressive reform is the use of shocking exposes to spark awareness among the general populace about poor conditions (e.g., Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle").

• Programs and journalism aim to highlight societal issues, employing powerful visual methods, especially poignant photography of children to evoke emotional responses.

Key Photographers of the Era

• Jacob Riis: Focused on urban poverty, particularly the plight of children living in tenements and slums (e.g., "How the Other Half Lives").

• Lewis Hine: Documented child labor, specifically in the textile industry, working to uncover hidden abuses and garner public support for reform.

Contradictions in Progressive Reform

• The progressive movement is riddled with contradictions, such as promoting reforms while maintaining elements of Victorian morality and societal hierarchies.

• Progressives aim to empower and protect women and children while simultaneously implementing measures that restrict full participation in democratic processes (e.g., suffrage delayed until later).

Specific Progressive Reforms

• Reforms target large businesses and the systemic roots of societal issues rather than individual blame, as seen with the anti-prostitution movements.

• Emphasis on creating regulations to address corporate malfeasance while fostering a more democratic participation in governance and public life.

Anti-Prostitution Campaigns

• Progressive initiatives reposition the narrative around prostitution, blaming systemic business practices (brothel trusts) rather than the individuals involved.

• The narrative shifts towards using emotive terms like "white slavery" to racialize sympathy and direct attention towards women trapped in these conditions.

• Reformers aim to criminalize the business aspects of prostitution through legislation such as the Mann Act, targeting interstate trafficking and restricting immoral commerce.

Broader Context of Progressivism

• The movements encapsulated within progressivism extend beyond mere regulatory measures, calling for wider industrial accountability and societal protection for the vulnerable.

• Internally, progressives had to balance their own biases and moral compasses against the realities of social stratification and differing societal needs.

Conclusion

• Overall, the session emphasizes the complex landscape of American politics transitioning from the Gilded Age to the Progressive Era, highlighting key conflicts, motivations, and contradictions inherent in the era's reform movements.

Important People in the Progressive Era

• Theodore Roosevelt: 26th President of the United States, known for his progressive reforms, such as trust-busting, consumer protection (Pure Food and Drug Act), and conservation efforts.

• Woodrow Wilson: 28th President, introduced the Federal Reserve System and championed the Clayton Antitrust Act, which strengthened antitrust laws.

• Jane Addams: Social reformer and co-founder of Hull House, focused on improving conditions for immigrants and women while advocating for social justice.

• W.E.B. Du Bois: Civil rights activist and co-founder of the NAACP, advocating for African American rights and opposing Jim Crow laws.

• Ida B. Wells: Journalist and anti-lynching activist, worked tirelessly to expose and challenge racial violence.

• Upton Sinclair: Author of "The Jungle," which exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry and influenced food safety regulations.

The Progressive Movement

The Progressive Movement (1890s-1920s) was a social and political push aimed at addressing the injustices and inequities of the Gilded Age. It sought reforms in various areas:

• Labor Rights: Advocated for fair labor practices, working conditions, and the right to unionize.

• Women’s Suffrage: Focused on securing the right to vote for women, culminating in the 19th Amendment (1920).

• Political Reform: Efforts included combatting corruption in politics through measures like direct election of senators, primary elections, and increased governmental transparency.

• Social Justice: Addressed issues like poverty, education, and public health, emphasizing support for marginalized groups.

• Regulatory Measures: Implemented regulations on businesses to curb monopolies, unsafe working conditions, and monopolistic practices, leading to a more equitable economy.