Do Now:

Read the article “Robbed of a Childhood”. Be prepared to discuss the major points.

A fix for the problems of progress

What is Progressivism?

The reform response to the problems caused by the industrial era

Concerns: Impact of new

technologies Monopolies Urban living

conditions Political corruption Inequal distribution of

wealth & power

People of Progressivism

Jane Addams• Aid to the urban

poor• Settlement

House: offered education, child care, health clinic, & legal services

• Hull House: 1st settlement house opened in Chicago in 1889

Muckrakers: journalists who uncover wrongdoings by corporations & politicians• Jacob Riis: tenements• Ida Tarbell: Standard Oil• Lincoln Steffans: urban

political corruption• Upton Sinclair:

meatpacking industry

Muckrakers

Progressivism & Politics

Political Reforms:

Direct Primary: allows voters to choose nominees for upcoming elections

17th Amendment: citizens directly elect senators

Referendum: citizens vote to approve government actions

Recall: citizens can vote to remove an official from office

Progressive Presidents

Theodore Roosevelt: “Trust-Buster” Pure Food & Drug Act: required

ingredient labeling Meat Inspection Act: mandatory

inspections at meat packing plants – inspired by The Jungle

Good Trusts vs. Bad Trusts Advocated for the protection of the

environment and the establishment of national parks

Progressive Presidents

William H. Taft• Worked more aggressively against trusts• New Nationalism: Introduced by

Roosevelt, worked for new business regulations, welfare legislation & progressive reforms

• Lost re-election in 1912 when Roosevelt ran against him under the Bull Moose Party

Progressive Presidents

Woodrow Wilson• Won election in 1912 because Taft &

Roosevelt split the Republican vote• New Freedom: enforce antitrust laws

without threatening economy• Clayton Antitrust Act: strengthen

Sherman Act by stating specific activities that businesses cannot do

• Federal Reserve System: reorganized the banking system & created a government department to regulate the banks

Election of 1912

Constitutional Amendments16th Amendment: Progressive Income

Tax – taxes increase as income increases

17th Amendment: Direct election of Senators

18th Amendment: Prohibition – outlawed the sale, manufacture & consumption of alcohol

19th Amendment: Women’s Suffrage

Workplace Reforms

Tragedies led to reforms: Triangle Shirtwaist fire led to fire

inspections, fire drills & fireproof exits Accident insurance and workman’s

compensation programs 1907 – 30 states abolish child labor 1912 – 9 states adopt minimum wage

Workplace reforms