Progressive Reform and Labor Issues Overview

Sep 25, 2024

Progressive Reform and Labor Issues During the Gilded Age

Overview

  • Focus on efforts to help workers and change capitalism in the US.
  • Progressive reformers challenged laissez-faire capitalism.
  • Government intervention was seen as necessary to help workers.
  • Progressives aimed to curb monopolies and the concentration of wealth.

Who Were the Progressives?

  • The term "progressive" was used by reformers themselves.
  • Reformers addressed various social issues, such as clean food and water, vice, and immigrant poverty.
  • Common progressive principles included faith in progress and social reform.

Characteristics of Progressive Reformers

  • Predominantly educated middle-class individuals, including many women.
  • Women played a significant role due to increased access to higher education.
  • Belief in the combination of government, science, and experts to solve social problems.

Government's Role

  • Most reform work occurred at the local and state levels.
  • Some federal reforms, like the establishment of the Food and Drug Administration.
  • Model legislation and shared strategies led to uniformity across states.

Economic and Worker Reforms

  • Settlement Houses:

    • Notable example: Hull House in Chicago, founded by Jane Adams.
    • Provided childcare, meals, medical services, and community activities.
    • Aimed to improve living conditions for the poor.

  • City Services:

    • Efforts to equalize city services across different neighborhoods.
    • Example: Jane Adams became garbage inspector to ensure regular collection.

  • Legislation:

    • Focus on regulating industries and employment conditions through laws.
    • Emphasis on workplace safety, hours laws, and conditions.

Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

  • 1911 fire in New York City highlighted need for reform.
  • Resulted in significant loss of life and galvanized legislative action.
  • New York State developed model workplace regulations.

Judicial Challenges

  • Supreme Court often struck down legislation aimed at protecting all workers.
  • Legislation protecting female workers was more likely to be upheld.

Further Study

  • Upcoming sections will cover the Mueller v Oregon decision and a documentary on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.

These notes provide a summary of key points discussed about progressive reform and labor issues during the Gilded Age, focusing on the efforts to help workers and challenge the economic status quo.