Cambridge International AS Level History - The History of the USA, 1820-1941 Study Notes

Cambridge International AS Level History - The History of the USA, 1820-1941

The Temperance Movement

• The Temperance campaign enjoyed significant popularity and is seen as a major success of the Progressive movement.

• It allowed for the enforcement of laws banning the sale and manufacture of alcohol, which had profound societal effects.

Other Progressive Aims

• Welfare Reforms

  • Limited call for state-funded welfare benefits in the US compared to European nations like France and Germany.

  • Growing pressure emerged to create a safety net for citizens facing dire circumstances, particularly post-1893 recession.

  • The 'muckrakers', investigative journalists, revealed the stark realities of poverty, prompting calls for reform.

• Reform of the Federal Government

  • Two main suggestions: 1) Increase federal intervention in the economy and society; 2) Utilize existing powers more effectively (e.g., enforce the Sherman Anti-Trust Act).

• African American Rights

  • Significant migration of African Americans to the North to escape Southern poverty and racism.

  • Complicated issues within the Progressive movement, as some members favored segregation while others worked for equality.

• Equality of Opportunity

  • Varying definitions regarding the desire to address the widening gulf between the rich and the poor.

  • Some Progressives focused on educational improvement, while others promoted increased leisure opportunities for all.

Key Term

• Muckrakers: Journalists like Ida Tarbell who highlighted poor living and working conditions, as well as corruption.

Activity 3.15

• Discussion prompt: Define 'progressive' and 'liberal' within early 20th-century America.

• Analyze the extent to which Progressives align with these terms, while separately assessing each.

• Reflection on evidence that informs responses and potential gaps in evidence.

Influence of the Progressive Movement (1904 & 1906 Elections)

• Progressive ideas began to gain traction in Congress, reflecting increased public engagement and electoral success.

• Leaders' speeches resonated with the citizens, and muckrakers reached millions, fueling reform efforts.

• Pressure group activism was effective in various areas from environmental policy to combating corruption.

Success of the Progressive Movement up to 1920

• Overall assessment: the Progressive Movement achieved considerable progress by 1920 through pressure on politicians.

• Major Achievements:

  • Numerous amendments added to the Constitution.

  • Expansion of federal and state powers for regulation.

  • Increased expectations for presidential and federal government involvement in national issues.

  • Legislation addressing working hours and child labor.

  • Initiatives towards establishing a national banking system.

  • Decline of the 'boss' system through administrative reforms.

  • Early moves toward a social security system.

  • Women's suffrage achieved.

  • Prohibition of alcohol enacted.

  • Environmental protection measures introduced.

  • Reform of civil service at both federal and local levels.

• Although significant progress was made, issues persisted into the 1920s:

  • Persistent bank failures and poverty in certain regions.

  • Deterioration of farming conditions.

  • Continued inequality for African Americans.

  • Lasting reforms regarding welfare and racial equality were not realized until the 1960s.

Achievements of Progressive Presidents

Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt (1901-09)

• Roosevelt ascended to presidency following the assassination of McKinley.

• Background:

  • Born to affluence and well-educated.

  • Experienced in government roles (Assistant Secretary to the Navy, NYC Police Commissioner, Governor of New York).

• Initially vice-presidential candidate selected to mute his influence; however, he became a surprising reformist in office.

• Assessment of Roosevelt's progressive record:

  • Successful re-election in 1904 as an advocate of Change, signaling Progressive movements' impact.

  • Emphasized issues concerning monopolies and workers' rights in his campaign.

• Major accomplishments during presidency:

  • Initiated antitrust proceedings under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act leading to the dismantling of monopolies like Northern Securities Company and Standard Oil.

  • Acknowledged labor unions' rights and treated them equitably under the law. Notably mediated a strike by miners in 1902, showcasing a neutral stance favoring negotiations.

  • Pushed through significant legislation:

  • Expedition Act of 1903: Increased legal resources to enforce antitrust laws.

  • Elkins Act of 1903: Began railroad regulation.

  • Pure Food and Drugs Act of 1906: Targeted food adulteration prompted by social issues highlighted by muckrakers.

  • Department of Commerce and Labor Act of 1903: Established oversight of interstate commerce and regulation capabilities.

  • Newlands Reclamation Act: Promoted environmental conservation efforts and infrastructure development.

• In 1904 State of the Union Address, Roosevelt laid out an ambitious reform agenda including employer liability proposals, working hours limitations, safety measures, and child labor restrictions.

• In final years, his administration adopted more progressive positions, advocating further regulatory and social reforms, including taxation and labor laws.

Presidency of William Taft (1909-13)

• Roosevelt chose not to seek re-election. William Howard Taft succeeded him, marked by many conservative approaches.

• Taft's presidency focused on foreign affairs and tariff issues, reflecting little alignment with Progressive principles:

  • Noteworthy actions: enforcement of antitrust laws persisted under his administration, addressing large corporate entities alongside introducing corporate and income taxes.

  • Sacked key conservation figure Gifford Pinchot, alienating Progressives.

• While not extensively seen as a successful Progressive president, Taft did continue prosecutions under the Sherman Act.

Presidency of Woodrow Wilson (1913-21)

• Significantly a Democrat, elected in 1913, showcasing the alignment of various constituencies against Republicans.

• Wilson's reforms were influenced by previous Progressive achievements witnessed in New Jersey as Governor:

  • Advocated for fair elections, public official accountability, workmen's compensation, and utility regulation.

• Campaign rhetoric emphasized the need for legal frameworks to be adjusted/evolved to capture modern business realities.

• Wilson successfully facilitated substantial Progressive legislation during his administration, notably during wartime:

  • Federal Reserve Act (1913): Introduced oversight of banking systems and financial regulation aimed at ensuring economic stability.

  • Underwood Tariff (1913): Reduced tariffs, gaining support from small business owners while upsetting larger corporations.

  • Introduction of Federal Income Tax: Aimed to compensate for the loss of tariff revenue and support expanding federal roles.

  • Clayton Act (1914): Strengthened enforcement against monopolistic practices.

  • Federal Trade Commission Act (1914): Established regulatory frameworks for business standards.

  • Federal Child Labour Act (1916): Aimed at addressing child exploitation (later annulled by the Supreme Court).

  • Department of Labor: Enhanced management of labor relations; minimized violent disruptions, promoting negotiation.

  • Revenue Act (1916): Continued emphasis on wealth redistribution through taxation.

• In contrast to predecessors, instituted neutral government intervention during labor disputes, aiding in conflict resolution.

Constitutional Reforms

• The Progressive Movement prompted numerous state and federal laws, leading to significant constitutional changes as articulated by Wilson:

16th Amendment - Income Tax (1913)

• Allowed Congress to impose income taxes, responding to increased federal responsibilities in the era of modernization.

17th Amendment - Direct Election of Senators (1913)

• Shifted senator selection from state legislatures to direct public elections, enhancing accountability and reducing corruption.

18th Amendment - Prohibition (1919)

• Enacted to curb alcohol-related social issues, resulting in unintended consequences such as organized crime and widespread illegal activity.

19th Amendment - Women’s Suffrage (1920)

• Culminated years of campaigning for women’s voting rights, though it did not lead to immediate social equality but marked a significant milestone.

Analysis of Achievements and Challenges

• Despite substantial reforms and successes of the Progressive Movement, many challenges persisted that undermined their ultimate objectives:

  • Economic crises such as the Great Crash of 1929 highlighted existing weaknesses, returning hardships to many US citizens.

Reflections on the Movement's Legacy

• Debate exists on whether the Progressive Movement achieved its broad objectives, with some historians arguing it primarily spotlighted issues instead of ensuring resolutions. The initiative of prominent politicians was vital in driving change.

• Consideration of whether further unity within the movement could have produced more drastic reforms.

The Limits of the Progressive Movement

• After 1920, with Republican administrations regaining control, the momentum for Progressive reforms decreased significantly. The culture of economic prosperity during the 1920s, combined with calls for return to normalcy, silenced push for reforms.

• Debates and discussions concerning the outcomes and effectiveness of Progressive policies will continue, especially in the context of long-standing structural inequalities.