Progressive Era

Unit 3

What was the Progressive Era?

• The Progressive Era in the United States was a period of social activism and political reform that flourished from the 1890s to the 1920s.

• One main goal was purification of government, as Progressives tried to eliminate corruption by exposing and undercutting political machines and bosses

How did economic, political, and social conditions affect the development of political parties during the Progressive Era?

Social Developments

Political Developments

DemocratsProgressive Era

RepublicansProgressive Era

Economic Developments

Economic Developments• Industrialization

• Trusts/Monopolies

• Liberal Labor laws– Long hours low wages

• Cheap Labor – Immigrants

• Economy is booming!– No one wants to mess it up

Social Developments• Immigration

• Urbanization

• Yellow Journalism– Exaggerated news stories

• Increase in Sports and Entertainment

• Public Education

Political Developments• 90% eligible population voted

• Very close elections

• No real debates on issues– Focus = to keep office

• Spoils System = giving jobs to supporters

• Political Machines

Political Machines• Purpose = Find Votes for

party– Party wins elections – hands

out jobs (spoils system)• Found immigrants jobs and

places to live• Paid for funerals, school

clothes, food, and vacations – All they wanted was votes

• Kick Backs• Tweed Ring (NYC)

Democratic Party – Progressive Era• Support =

– Solid South– New Immigrants

• States Rights

• Federal government should play role in helping the needy

• Relied on Political Machines in North to get votes

• How does this resemble today’s Dem. Party?

Republican Party – Progressive Era• Support =

– West and North– Businessmen and

merchants• High Tariffs (protect

business)• Old Immigrants • Still riding high about

winning the Civil War• How does this resemble

today’s Rep. Party?

Brochure Assignment (25 pts)

• You are employed by a Political Machine to create a Brochure for the party of your choosing.

• Neatness and Creativity count • Remember the person running is not

important – The party is the most important thing

• You want people to vote for your party.

Brochure

• Cover Page• What can the party do for you?• What has the party done?– Economy, Society, and Politically

• Show a lot of National or Sectional Pride– depends on your party

Sample Pages

1. Cover Page – What Party? Pretty!2. Party Goals- use what's going well in the country

make them up (remember: No real issues)3. What has your party done for the People?4. Economy – Good/Bad? What did you do?5. Society- Good/Bad? What did you do?6. Show National Pride or More local (state/city)

1. Depends on your party