Progressive Era and Republican Rule in West Virginia

Introduction

• Lecture focuses on the Progressive Era and Republican rule in West Virginia.
• Importance of taking notes in lectures.

The Progressive Era

• Timeframe: End of 19th century to early 20th century.
• Result of the Industrial Revolution with rapid urban growth leading to social issues.
  • Overcrowding, sanitation problems, crime.
  • Alcohol blamed for social issues like domestic violence and overcrowding.
  • Increase in diseases due to poor living conditions.
• Political issues: Emergence of city bosses and political machines.
• Progressives aimed to reform industrial age problems.

Republican Rule in West Virginia

• Republicans were the party of reform in the early 20th century.
• Reflected national trends, but focus on West Virginia.

Historical Context

• Post-Reconstruction: Democrats dominated after Radical Republican reconstruction.
• Race as a significant barrier for Republican resurgence.
• Republicans associated with freedmen's rights, affecting political success.

Nathan Goff and Republican Resurgence

• Nathan Goff from Clarksburg instrumental in Republican comeback.
• Focused on local issues rather than race.
• Gained support by helping constituents and wealthy patrons.
  • Worked on issues like pensions and flood aid.
• Credited with making the Republican Party competitive in West Virginia.

Influence of Wealthy Individuals

• Wealthy coal barons and tycoons influential in politics.
• Figures like A.B. Fleming and others aimed for higher political roles.
• Shift towards Republican power at the start of the 20th century.

Conclusion

• Transition period from Democratic to Republican dominance in West Virginia.
• Upcoming discussions on wealthy individuals' influence in politics.

Republican Rule in West Virginia: Part Two

Key Figures

• Mr. Goff

  • Became a senator after losing a tied election.
  • Influenced by money and politics to shift West Virginia towards Republican influence.

• Mr. Fleming

  • Became governor despite Goff's political ambitions.

Senator Stephen B. Elkins

• Background

  • Son-in-law of Henry Gassaway Davis, a significant influence and business partner.
  • Gained national praise, but Davis was crucial in his rise.

• Henry Gassaway Davis

  • Influential in local and national politics.
  • Business tycoon involved in railroads, logging, and lumbering.
  • Known for shaping West Virginia's industrial identity.
  • Famous statue in Elkins, identical statue in Charleston.

Political Influence

• Stephen B. Elkins as U.S. Senator
  • Became a key figure in West Virginia and U.S. politics.
  • Conservative for a Republican at his time.

Major Contributions

• Elkins Act of 1903

  • Sponsored to set penalties for railroad rebates.
  • Significant reform to eliminate monopolistic practices like kickbacks and rebates.
  • Act targeted favoritism in pricing, ensuring equitable pricing for tickets and shipping.

• Mann-Elkins Act of 1910

  • Collaborated with Senator Mann to extend the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).
  • Prohibited transportation of minors across state lines without guardianship.
  • Stemmed from cases of abductions for prostitution between Pittsburgh and Wheeling.
  • Increased ICC's power, marking a significant federal intervention.

Social Context

• Prostitution Concerns
  • Wheeling was notorious for prostitution; ASL sign for wheeling associated with prostitution.
  • Progressive Era reformers were actively concerned about "white slavery" and abductions.

Legacy and Influence

• Elkins' Tenure
  • Served from 1896-1911 until his death.
  • Influenced four governors: Atkinson, White, Dawson, and Glasscock, known as "Elkins governors".

Conclusion

• Elkins left a significant mark on both state and national politics, driving reforms and influencing key political figures and policies during his time.

Lecture Notes: Elkins Governors and Progressive Era Reform

Introduction

• The Elkins Governors are governors influenced by Stephen D. Elkins.
• First Elkins governor is George Atkinson at the end of the 19th century.
• Connection to agriculture-related Atkinsons; debate over spelling differences.

George Atkinson

• First to move away from "bourbon Democrats."
• Introduced reforms such as:
  • Shorter workdays (attempted 8-hour day).
  • Child labor restrictions (under 14 years).
  • Better working conditions for women.
  • Safety regulations, especially in coal mines.
  • Opposed company stores and script currency.
• Many efforts failed, but initiated discussions on reform.

A.B. White (1900)

• Pushed for tax reform targeted at wealthier individuals.
• Criticized rigged elections.
• Advocated for regulation of coal mines and railroads.
• Ideas were introduced but not widely adopted yet.

Dawson (1904)

• Continued work on tax reform proposals.
• Incremental acceptance by legislature on tax reform.

Governor Glasscock (1908)

• Last Elkins governor; introduced prohibition amendment in 1912.
• Prohibition aimed at addressing urban problems associated with alcohol.
• Advocated longer school terms to reduce child labor.

Importance of Longer School Terms

• Longer school duration reduces child hireability in mines and mills.
• Compulsory education aimed at child labor reduction.

Governor Henry D. Hatfield (1912)

• Devil Anse’s nephew, changed Hatfield family image.
• Medical doctor, involved in several reforms:
  • Mining hospitals.
  • Immunization efforts.
  • Child labor laws and workman’s compensation.
  • Tried to dismantle political machines.
• Established the State Department of Health.
• Assisted labor organizer Mother Jones during illness.

Political Reform

• Advocated for direct election of U.S. senators, significant Progressive Era reform.

John Davis (Democrat)

• Ran for president in 1924 on a major party ticket, highlighting national involvement.

Conclusion and Next Steps

• Republican influence during this era.
• Upcoming topics: Organized labor and unionization.

These notes provide an overview of the political and reform initiatives during the time of the Elkins governors, emphasizing attempts to modernize and reform society in the context of the Progressive Era.