Progressive Era Reforms and Women's Suffrage

Social Legislation

  • States enacted laws to combat the negative impacts of industrialization, which included:

  • Abolishing __________ ______________.

  • Improving working conditions in factories.

  • Enforcing ___________________ for urban housing safety and construction.

Civil Service Reform

  • The ______________ ________________ led to widespread corruption, granting government positions as rewards to political supporters, often _______________ for the roles.

Pendleton Act (1883)

  • This legislation established the ________________ _________________ ____________________ to administer exams for government appointments based on merit instead of political connections.

  • Aimed to reduce _________________ in government and increase efficiency.

The Progressive Presidents

Overview

  • Between 1901 and 1919, three presidents initiated significant Progressive reforms:

  • ______________ ______________

  • ______________ __________________ _______________

  • _______________ ___________________

Teddy Roosevelt (1901 – 1909)

  • Originating from a wealthy background and overcoming childhood health issues through sports.

  • Notable roles included:

  • New York City Police Commissioner

  • Rancher in the Dakotas

  • Officer in the __________________ __________________ _________

  • Governor of __________ __________________

  • Ascended to presidency after the assassination of President McKinley.

Economic Agenda: Square Deal

  • Focused on protecting consumer health and ensuring fair business practices through legislation:

  • Meat Inspection Act (1906)

  • Pure Food and Drug Act (1906)

  • Expanded regulatory power of the ICC.

Motto

  • "____________ ___________________ _________ _________________ ____ __________ ______________”

  • Advocated for conservation; prevented sale of public lands and supported expansion of __________________ ______________

Coal Miners Strike (1902)

  • Illustrates Roosevelt's commitment to federal authority in public interest.

  • Intervened to mediate between miners and owners, showcasing his readiness to use _____________ _______________ for public welfare.

William Howard Taft (1909 - 1912)

  • Succeeded Roosevelt supported by him, but diverged from Progressive policies, causing a rift between them.

  • Roosevelt challenged Taft in the 1912 election by forming the _________ _______________ _______________

Woodrow Wilson (1912 - 1916)

  • Won the 1912 election due to the split between Roosevelt and Taft.

  • Economic plan termed “_________ ______________” which emphasized:

  • Breaking up trusts

  • Banking reform

  • Tariff reduction to benefit the working class.

Key Legislation

  • _________________ Tariff: Reduced tariffs benefiting the wealthy, introduced the progressive income tax (16th Amendment).

  • Federal Reserve Act: Overhauled banking practices, introduced the Federal Reserve as a central banking system regulating money supply and interest rates.

  • Antitrust Legislation: Clayton Antitrust Act allowed government to tackle business monopolies; Federal Trade Commission established to protect consumers.

Progressive Era and Labor

Changing Public Attitudes towards Labor Unions

  • Past associations with violence reduced public ______________ for unions, prompting military interventions in protests.

  • A pivotal moment came with the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, which highlighted unsafe working conditions.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

  • Occurred in a clothing sweatshop, resulting in 146 deaths due to:

  • Bolted doors preventing escape

  • Malfunctioning sprinkler systems

  • Faulty fire escapes

Legislative Responses

  • After the tragedy, increased sympathy for labor rights led to:

  • Creation of the ____________________ ______ ______________ (1913).

  • _____________ _______________ _________(1914): Prevented court restrictions on union activities.

  • __________ ____________ ________ (1916): Prohibited the sale of goods produced by child labor.

Women’s Suffrage Movement

Context and Early Organization

  • In the early 19th century, societal norms relegated women to subordinate roles, lacking ___________ _____________ and other civic privileges.

  • Women often lost property and wage control upon marriage.

  • Early organizing for suffrage began with the ________________ __________ Convention (1848), advocating for women's equality and rights.

Key Figures

  • Susan B. Anthony: Attempted to _________ in 1872, her case was pivotal despite being denied.

  • National American Women Suffrage Association formed in 1890, led by Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

19th Amendment

  • Passed post-World War I, recognizing women’s contributions during the war.

  • Affirmed that no state could deny a citizen the_______________ ______ __________ based on sex, representing a significant advance toward a truly democratic society.

Impact

  • While a crucial step for gender equality, the amendment did not result in _________________ dramatic changes in political representation. Discrimination persisted, affecting women’s economic status and roles in public office.