The Progressive Era: 1895-1920

1. The Progressive Era: 1895-1920 An Overview

2. Origins of Progressivism

3. Aftermath of Industrialism • Sharp increase in urbanization • Unsanitary living and working conditions as well as poverty. • Further widened the gap between rich and poor. • Middle class saw these changes and became inspired to fight for reform and positive changes in society

4. Origins of Progressivism             -Increased industry             -New populations             -Labor unrest             -Depression • Foreign Influences: - European reforms such as old-age insurance, subsidized worker’s housing, city planning, and rural reconstruction. • Progressivism was a direct result of previous political and social factors. Did not come out of nowhere

5. Goals of Progressivism • End abuses of power • Implement social programs to replace corrupt institutions and reduce inequalities • i.e.. schools, medical clinics, community programs • Increase efficiency in economic, social, and political institutions.

6. Philosophy of Progressivism • 1. Did not want to get rid of capitalism, just Alleviate some of the problems of a PURE capitalist system • 2. Did not believe everyone was equal • 3. The gap between wealthy and poor should not be extreme • 4. Corruption in government led to inefficiency • 5. Government should look out for welfare of whole society, not special interests.

7. Important Groups in Progressivism 1. Middle Class, educated whites 2. Upper Elites, mostly women • Sometimes conflicted with people they wanted to help.

8. Important Groups in Progressivism 3. Muckrakers • Journalists who wrote about evils and corruption of American society.  • Wrote in widely circulated magazines (McClure’s, Cosmopolitan) & novels. • Editors wanted scandalous, shocking stories so to appeal to readers. • Examples: The Jungle, Treason of the Senate

9. Opponents of Progressivism • Believed that government should not have such a large influence on economic affairs. • Believed the Progressive movement contradicted the laws of social Darwinism. • Believed businesses un-regulated was the only way to ensure progress and the continuation of capitalism

10. Major Areas of Focus for Progressives • Children/Education • Government • Women • Labor • African Americans

11. Children/Education: Child Laborers • Promoted Child Labor Laws • Shorter Work Days • Age Limits

12. Children/Education: Child Education • Child-centered schools and more flexible. • No corruption in schools • Curriculum that promotes social change. • School attendance laws • Juvenile Courts

13. 2. Government • Government should counteract inefficiency and exploitation. (ie. No Socialism and no pure Capitalism) • Direct election of Senators • City manager and commission forms of government and public ownership of utilities.

14. 3. Women • Lowered Working Hours • Muller v. Oregon 1908: • 10 hour work days for women. • Problem: states found loopholes • Give help to working women through community programs and services • ie. Day care, classes, clubs).

15. 4. Labor • Protect the working class by trying to give them lifestyles more like the middle-class. • Wanted protective legislation • Women and Children Labor Laws • Worker’s compensation • Unemployment insurance.

16. 4. Labor - Beyond the Progressive Labor Movement • Some people believed that Progressivism wasn’t enough • Socialism was seen as a way of changing society • Lead by Eugene V. Debs in 1912 • Not successful, b/c most progressives were too reliant on the capitalist system to want to overthrow it.

17. 5. Racism • Jane Addams fought to get rid of the racial exclusions in the Progressive movement. • Booker T. Washington promoted the strategy of self-help, in which blacks should work hard to prove to whites that they are worthy or respect. • Overall, failure of the Progressives