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
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
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