S

The PROGRESSIVE Era [APUSH Unit 7 Topic 4] Period 7: 1898-1945

Overview of the Progressive Era

  • The Progressive Era was a significant period of social reform from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

  • Aim: To address the issues arising from industrialization and urbanization, including inequality, labor rights, and corruption.

Who Were the Progressives?

  • A diverse group with varying views and causes, united by a common belief in the need for government intervention.

  • Key issues included:

    • Growing power of big businesses.

    • Economic instability post-Panic of 1893.

    • Labor disputes and conflicts between workers and employers.

    • Political corruption and control by political machines.

    • Civil rights for African Americans and women's suffrage.

    • Concerns over alcohol consumption.

Muckrakers: Journalists of the Era

  • Investigative journalists who exposed societal corruption.

  • Teddy Roosevelt referred to them as "muckrakers," a term they embraced.

  • Notable muckrakers:

    • Upton Sinclair: Authored The Jungle, highlighting the meatpacking industry's unsanitary conditions.

    • Ida Tarbell: Critiqued John D. Rockefeller’s monopolistic practices with Standard Oil.

    • Jacob Riis: Photographed and documented the poor living conditions in NYC through How the Other Half Lives.

  • Their goal was to raise public awareness and incite reform from the government.

Expansion of Democracy

  • Progressives sought to return voting power to the populace and lessen political boss influence.

  • Secret Ballot: Introduced to allow private voting, countering corruption in elections.

  • 17th Amendment (1913): Allowed for the direct election of senators by the people instead of state legislatures.

Key Constitutional Amendments

  • 18th Amendment: Instituted Prohibition in an effort to curb societal ills associated with alcohol.

  • 19th Amendment: Granted women the right to vote, officially ratified in 1920.

Legislative Reforms to Empower Voters

  • Initiative: Gave voters the power to propose legislation that politicians could ignore.

  • Referendum: Allowed voters to directly vote on proposed laws.

  • Recall: Enabled voters to remove elected officials from office before their term was completed.

Efficiency in Government

  • Frederick Taylor's concept of scientific management aimed to enhance efficiency in businesses and government.

  • Promoted the idea of hiring experts to manage tasks effectively, applicable to government operations.

Racial Justice Efforts

  • Following Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), racial segregation was institutionalized, leading to widespread inequality.

  • Notable organizations:

    • Niagara Movement led by W.E.B. Du Bois: Focused on civil rights and organized protests.

    • NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People): Aimed to abolish segregation and improve educational opportunities for Black Americans.

National Stage: Progressive Presidents

  • Teddy Roosevelt became president following McKinley's assassination, implementing a Progressive agenda.

Key Policies of Roosevelt's Square Deal

  • Trust-Busting: Enforced the Sherman Antitrust Act to dismantle monopolies while distinguishing between 'good' and 'bad' trusts.

  • Consumer Protection: Responded to public outcry from The Jungle by passing the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.

  • Conservation Efforts: Used the Forest Reserve Act to protect 150 million acres of land from exploitation, promoting environmental conservation.