Introduction to The Progressive Era

1. Introduction toThe Progressive Era 1901-1918

2. Why Progressivism? 19th Century Problems Disparity of Wealth Creation of an extreme upper class Working class wages remain low despite dramatic increase in national wealth Social Upheaval Working class vs. Business and Management Increasing division among social groups Nativism and Racism Growing demand for social reform Failure of Government Institutions Unable to bring reform Serious problems with corruption Little to no serious change (almost 30 years)

3. Why Progressivism? Progressivism has mass appeal Unlike Populism Focus on emotional issues (child labor, etc.) Reforms target urban issues Primarily lead by urban middle class Extremely affluent population (wealthier than 90% of the world) Educated Available leisure time Women play a prominent role Strong political voice Had a significant amount to lose if system doesn’t change, feared revolution

4. Why did the middle class have so much to lose as opposed to other groups if the current system did not change?

6. Four Goals of Progressivism 1. Protect Social Welfare 2. Promote Moral Improvement 3. Create Economic Reform 4. End Government Waste/Corruption

7. Protect Social Welfare Extension of earlier reform: Settlement house/Social gospel These earlier reforms placed blame for social problems on system rather than individuals Progressive reforms attempt to reverse problems associated with industrialization Focus was groups with little political voice Children Women Immigrants/Minorities Attempt to create a “social safety-net” No government direct aid programs existed Poor were reliant on charitable organizations In direct opposition to Social Darwinism

9. Promote Moral Reform Many reformers felt moral reforms would have the most significant impact on society Note: Not all Progressive pushed the same agenda Crime, alcohol, and prostitution plagued urban cities Moral reformers attempted to target the source of the problem Temperance Immigration Reform (Nativism) Spread of religious gospel

11. Create Economic Reform Progressives targeted “unfair” business practices “Robber Barons” were seen as exploiting society Business closely tied to Gov. in Gilded Age Investigative journalists “muckrakers” exposed corruption Reversal of lassiez faire policies Gov. regulation of business at state/federal level Progressive Presidents portrayed as battling business “Trust busting”—filing lawsuits at federal level using Antitrust laws Court decisions allow monopolies to be dissolved Change was drastic, but not enough for some 1900 Socialist party founded in America Led by Eugene V. Debs

14. End Government Waste/Corruption Urban political machines were targets of reform Corruption led to tremendous government waste Attempt to apply scientific management to gov. State/local gov. carefully monitored spending More money now available for social programs Direct democracy put more power in the hands of voters Many states passed democratic reforms under Progressive leadership Initiative/Referendum Recall Forceful national leadership/prominent national issues reshaped American political system

17. Why might some say that direct democracy is dangerous? • Would the founding fathers have been in favor of giving more power directly to the people?