Heimler's History: The Progressive Era

Overview

• Focus on comparing the goals and effects of the Progressive reform movement.
• Progressives were diverse in demographics and causes.

Who Were the Progressives?

• Diverse group addressing various issues:
  • Power of big business
  • Economic uncertainties (e.g., Panic of 1893)
  • Labor conflicts
  • Political machine control
  • Jim Crow segregation
  • Women's suffrage
  • Alcohol problem
• Unified by belief in significant government intervention to correct societal issues.

Progressive Era Journalists (Muckrakers)

• Exposed social justice issues and corruption.
• Key figures:
  • Upton Sinclair: "The Jungle" – exposed meatpacking industry.
  • Ida Tarbell: Exposed Standard Oil's corrupt practices.
  • Jacob Riis: "How the Other Half Lives" – exposed living conditions in New York tenements.

Expansion of Democracy

• Secret ballot to reduce power of political bosses.
• Direct election of senators via the 17th Amendment (1913).
• Constitutional Amendments:
  • 18th Amendment: Prohibition of alcohol.
  • 19th Amendment: Women's suffrage.
• Legislative reforms:
  • Initiative: Voters could propose legislation.
  • Referendum: Voters could vote on laws.
  • Recall: Remove corrupt politicians.

Efficiency in Government

• Frederick Taylor: Scientific management to improve efficiency.

Racial Justice Efforts

• Plessy v. Ferguson: Legalized segregation under "separate but equal."
• Prominent organizations:
  • Niagara Movement: Led by W.E.B. DuBois for black rights.
  • NAACP: Aimed to abolish segregation and expand educational opportunities.

Progressivism on the National Stage

• Progressive Presidents brought reform to the national level.
• Teddy Roosevelt:
  • Became president after McKinley's assassination.
  • Advocated the "Square Deal."
  • Trust buster:
    • Enforced Sherman Antitrust Act.
    • Distinguished between good and bad trusts.
  • Consumer protection:
    • Pure Food and Drug Act
    • Meat Inspection Act
  • Conservation efforts:
    • Reserved 150 million acres of land through the Forest Reserve Act.

Conclusion

• Progressive Era marked by a shift towards government intervention and expanding democracy.
• Addressed various societal issues through diverse methods and reforms.