Chapter 18: The Age of Reform

1. United States History Chapter 18: The Age of Reform

2. Progressivism • The late 1800’s industrial and economic development led to the development of a new political ideology known as progressivism • Progressives believed that the government should monitor the economy and industry more • Working conditions, political corruption, and living standards were all progressive issues • Progressives wanted the people to have more control and make the government more responsive to the wishes of the people • Women became especially involved in the Progressive movement because of the potential benefits to women

3. Roots and Inspiration of Progressivism • Journalists were most responsible for spreading the message of progressivism • Magazines were popular sources of info regarding corruption and societal problems, such as McClure’s Magazine • Journalists that reported these types of stories were known as muckrakers • This name described how writers “raked up” the corruption and filth of society • Books were also popular sources • Several muckraking books addressed racial tensions, working conditions, business practices, etc.

4. Government Reform • Most workers at the turn of the 20th Century worked 6 days, 10+ hours/day, for about $1.50/day • Women and children earned even less • Progressives called for labor laws to limit hours worked, eliminate child labor and a minimum wage • Laws were rarely enforced, with companies still employing children and forcing workers into long hours • A national minimum wage wasn’t passed until 1938

5. Government Reform • Workplace safety was also a concern of the Progressives • A fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Company of New York on March 25, 1911 showed how dangerous conditions were • Over 140 workers died when they became trapped by the fire • As a result, New York passed very strict fire codes to protect workers • More and more states began to pass laws, but corporations and companies fought the laws through the courts • Labor unions also fought for and against laws, many favoring closed shops, or even socialism

6. Reforming Society • Society also went under many reforms in the early 1900’s • Cities struggled with sanitation, health services, police, fire depts., etc. • Progressives felt that better living conditions would lead to better citizens • City planning helped build parks, beautify cities, pass building codes, zoning standards, and sanitation standards

7. Moral Reform • Progressives wanted to clean up “immoral” behavior as well • Called for a prohibition of the manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol • They were successful with the passage of the 18th amendment in 1919 • Wanted to censor the movies that had become a craze during the early 1900’s because the felt that they aroused desires and temptations • Many states passes censorship boards, but Hollywood censored themselves staring in 1909

8. Racial Discrimination • Some Progressives tried to address the discrimination of blacks and Native Americans • Leaders like W.E.B. du Bois were very influential in the black community • In 1909, he helped to form the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), addressing civil rights • The National Urban League was another group formed in 1911 to address job and housing opportunities for blacks • However, most blacks still faced terrible discrimination • Native Americans, in 1911, formed the Society of American Indians to address civil rights for Natives • They called for preservation of reservations, much of which had been lost, and equal rights for Native Americans

9. Immigrants and Assimilation • Progressives supported Americanization, a process of preparing immigrants for full citizenship • Programs were created to help immigrants learn English, become educated, and teach American culture • They also stood for workplace reforms and public health reforms to protect immigrants