The Era of Progressivism in the United States

The Era of Progressivism in the United States

The Labour Movement

• Accomplishments (Late 1800s):

  • Advocated for better working conditions in the US and Britain, leading to:
  • Laws banning child labor
  • Establishment of an 8-hour workday
  • Increased wages
  • Implementation of health and safety regulations in workplaces

• Loss of Support:

  • As labor unions grew, public support declined due to violence:
  • Haymarket Square Incident: Pipe bomb explosion leading to deaths of police and civilians.
  • 1892 Homestead Strike: Resulted in armed conflict with ten deaths, damaging public view of labor movements.
  • 1894 Pullman Strike: A railway strike interrupted mail delivery, causing outrage and resulting in the imprisonment of union leader.

• Notable Strike (1902):

  • United Mine Workers Strike resulted in President Theodore Roosevelt enforcing negotiations between mine owners and workers, emphasizing fair practices for all parties in business.

The Gilded Age (1800s)

• Defined by rapid population and economic growth in the US, leading to industrialization.

• Reflected the vast fortunes accumulated by wealthy Americans during this era.

• Mark Twain Quote:

  • "What is the chief end of man? – to get rich. In what way? – dishonestly if we can; honestly if we must"

Robber Barons and Social Darwinism

• Wealthy businessmen justified their power through Social Darwinism, claiming:

  • Wealth acquisition signifies divine favor, compelling them to control societal affairs.
  • Advocated for a laissez-faire government approach, assuming a natural social order.

• Extreme Application:

  • Extreme interpretations of 'survival of the fittest' justified unregulated capitalism and unrestricted wealth accumulation.
  • Quote by Calvin Coolidge: "The chief business of the American people is business."

Robber Barons

• Key figures included John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, and the Vanderbilts, who built America's industrial strength and infrastructure.

• Ethical Concerns:

  • Used unethical tactics for wealth accumulation such as monopolistic practices via trusts, circumventing laws and maintaining dominance.

• Rockefeller’s Strategy:

  • Dominated the oil industry by acquiring smaller companies and forming secret deals to circumvent anti-trust laws.

• Monopoly Implications:

  • Compromised principles of classical liberal economics by eliminating competition and manipulating supply and demand.

The Muckrakers

• Journalists who highlighted societal injustices during the Gilded Age, including Ida Tarbell, Jacob Riis, and Upton Sinclair.

Ida Tarbell & Standard Oil

• She exposed unethical practices of Rockefeller's Standard Oil that harmed smaller companies and manipulated the market.
• Her work was recognized as one of the most important journalistic contributions of the 20th century.

Jacob Riis: How the Other Half Lives

• Focused on living conditions of impoverished populations in NYC, showcasing slum living not as criminality but as human struggle.
• Utilized innovative photography techniques to expose dire living conditions.

Upton Sinclair: The Jungle

• Highlighted unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, showcasing flaws in laissez-faire capitalism, where competition compromised safety.
• Key Messages:
  • Competition leads to corners being cut for profit.
  • Market forces often fail to ensure consumer protection.

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Disaster

• Overview:

  • 500 workers, predominantly women and children, endured harsh sweatshop conditions.

• 1909 Strike:

  • Workers protested for better conditions; management refused to negotiate.

• Fire Incident (March 25, 1911):

  • Resulted in the death of 146 workers, highlighting safety negligence due to locked exit doors and lack of fire safety measures.

• Aftermath:

  • Factory owners faced no accountability due to lack of laws; resulted in minimal compensation for victims' families.
  • Pushed for legislative changes to enhance workplace safety standards.