Study Notes on the Progressive Movement and its Presidents (1901-1921)

Overview of the Progressive Movement Success (Pre-1920)

• The Progressive Movement was highly successful up to 1920, with notable achievements mainly due to the pressure on politicians.

  • Principal gains included:

  • Several amendments to the U.S. Constitution were passed.

  • Federal and state governments acquired new regulatory powers.

  • Increased expectation for the president and federal government to address national issues beyond wartime crises.

  • Laws regulating working hours and child labor were implemented.

  • Efforts to establish a national banking system aimed to prevent economic panics.

  • Decline of the 'boss' system due to administrative reforms in cities and states.

  • Initial steps toward a social security system were made.

  • Women achieved the right to vote.

  • Prohibition of alcohol was enacted.

  • Major environmental protection measures were established.

  • Civil service reform was undertaken at both national and local levels.

• Despite these successes, issues persisted in the 1920s:

  • Bank failures and persistent poverty in certain areas.

  • The farming sector faced significant challenges and African Americans continued to experience inequality.

  • Major changes to the welfare system and African American rights did not materialize until the 1960s.

Achievements of Progressive Presidents

Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt (1901–1909)

• Theodore Roosevelt became president after the assassination of William McKinley in 1901.

  • His background included wealth, education, travel, and experience in government.

  • Positions held:

    • Assistant Secretary to the Navy (1898)

    • Police Commissioner, New York City

    • Governor of New York State

  • Roosevelt was initially cautious in his presidency while running for re-election in 1904.

  • His campaign emphasized support for labor unions and anti-monopoly initiatives, which highlighted the Progressive Movement's impact.

  • Key achievements during his presidency:

  • Focus on social and economic reform using the presidential office.

  • Commitment to democratic principles with no support for radical changes.

  • Initiatives included addressing issues such as tariff reform and trusts.

    • For instance, he directed the Attorney General to enforce the Sherman Anti-Trust Act against the Northern Securities Company, leading to its dissolution.

  • Over 44 large organizations were prosecuted for illegal practices, including Standard Oil.

  • Recognized workers' rights, supporting labor unions and mediating disputes.

    • Example: 50,000 miners' strike led to a considerable intervention by Roosevelt to settle demands, showcasing a neutral presidential stance unlike previous administrations.

  • Key legislations passed during his presidency:

    • Expedition Act of 1903: Increased resources for legal actions under the Anti-Trust Act.

    • Elkins Act of 1903: Began regulating the railways.

    • Pure Food and Drugs Act of 1906: Targeted food adulteration inspired by the book The Jungle.

    • Department of Commerce and Labor Act of 1903: Established a department to oversee interstate commerce.

  • Continued emphasis on environmental conservation and establishing National Parks.

  • Planned ambitious reforms for his final years, including worker compensation and additional regulations on businesses.

Presidency of William Taft (1909–1913)

• Successor to Roosevelt, William Howard Taft was more conservative and less aggressive in his approach.

  • Significant actions during Taft's presidency:

  • Introduced a federal corporation tax and federal income tax, accumulating funds for government spending.

  • Continued prosecutions under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, showing some alignment with Progressive goals despite conservative cabinet appointments.

Presidency of Woodrow Wilson (1913–1921)

• Elected as the first Democrat president in decades, Wilson integrated various demographics into the Democratic party’s coalition.

  • Accomplished a significant amount of Progressive legislation during his time:

  • Implemented reforms in New Jersey as governor, then carried them to national prominence.

  • Key legislative achievements in Wilson’s presidency:

    • Federal Reserve Act of 1913: Established oversight for the banking system, aiming to maintain economic stability.

    • Underwood Tariff of 1913: Reduced tariffs benefiting small businesses.

    • The introduction of a federal income tax.

    • Clayton Act of 1914: Empowered the government to break up monopolies.

    • Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914: Created a regulatory body for businesses.

    • Established the first Federal Child Labour Act in 1916.

    • Expanded efforts for federal intervention in industrial disputes for more equilibrium between labor and business.

    • Revenue Act of 1916: Increased taxes on the wealthy and expanded business tax regulations.

    • Legislations like the Adamson Act (1916), which regulated working hours on railroads, reducing accidents caused by exhaustion.

Constitutional Reforms

Major Amendments During the Progressive Era

• Reflecting pressure from Progressives, several important constitutional changes occurred:

  • 16th Amendment (1913): Authorized the federal government to impose an income tax.

  • 17th Amendment (1913): Introduced the direct election of senators, increasing accountability.

  • 18th Amendment (1919): Enforced prohibition, banning the sale of alcoholic beverages.

  • 19th Amendment (1920): Granted women the right to vote.

State-Level Reforms and Governance

• Progressives impacted various states, notably Wisconsin under Robert La Follette, leading to significant reforms:

  • Regulated railroads, reformed tax systems, and enacted conservation measures.

  • Methods adopted included:

  • Direct elections, primary elections, and public initiatives like voting on specific issues.

  • Commissioner system in cities for better governance beyond partisan politics.

• However, some states misused independence to suppress African American rights.

Limitations of the Progressive Movement

• After 1920, many challenges emerged limiting the Progressives' accomplishments:

  • Return of Republican presidents who resisted domestic reform initiatives.

  • Economic prosperity led to waning interest in radical changes.

  • Revealed weaknesses in the financial system during the Great Depression, underscoring incomplete reforms.

Reflection on Achievements and Critiques

• The Progressive Movement is viewed variably: some see it as a radical success while others believe it lacked cohesion and focused less on resolving deeper systemic issues.

• The legacies of their laws, despite mixed outcomes, paved the way for future reforms.

• Discussions around who contributed significantly to the Progressive cause between Roosevelt and Wilson provide insight into their effectiveness and challenges faced.