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.