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The Key Issues of Progressivism. Progressivism Day 1 Notes. Does this bother you?. Does this?. Does this gross you out?. Does this ?. What the heck is Progressivism?. A good definition: Different ideas and activities about how to fix the problems that existed in America .
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The Key Issues of Progressivism Progressivism Day 1 Notes
What the heck is Progressivism? • A good definition: • Different ideas and activities about how to fix the problems that existed in America. • Began with aggressive journalists/authors called Muckrakers. • Books like “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclairexpose dirty food conditions in the U.S. • Magazines like McClure’s try to expose corruption and scandal.
Some things Progressives targeted to change in society… • Unfair business and work laws • Child Labor • Minimum Wage • Factory Safety • Improve the U.S. Government • Political Corruption • Improve Gender Equality • Women’s Rights
Progressives Wanted to Change Business and Work Laws • Stop child labor • Said young children in coal mines, farm fields, and factories was leading to a “lost generation.” • Wanted factory safety laws. • Few regulations on safety and equipment.
Progressives Wanted to Change Business and Work Laws (cont’d) • Wanted prohibition (the ban of alcohol). • Said many of societies problems came from alcohol. • Too many people drinking on the job or treating their families badly while drunk! • Eugene Debs leads movement for Socialism (idea that government should own businesses). • Said only government will change societies problems for the better.
Progressives Wanted to Improve Government Wanted direct election of Senators • Progressives believed the Senate had become corrupt as political machines appointed senators. • Example: Tammany Hall controls NYC elections and appointments for Democrats.
Progressives Wanted More Gender Equality • Progressives believed in women’s suffrage (right to vote). • Women still can’t vote. • Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul were main leaders in the movement for change. • 19thAmendment in 1920 gives women the right to vote.
Wanted to improve food quality… • Upton Sinclair’s 1906 book The Jungle exposes the unsanitary meat industry in the U.S. • Also shed light on the struggles of the working class.
So what do you think was the biggest concern in the early 1900s? • Child Labor? • Gender Equality? • Alcohol? • Better Leaders? • Food Quality? • Something else?