Lecture on Progressivism in Texas

Political Cartoon

• Depicts trusts as a beast.
• Democracy injuring the beast to free Liberty.
• Emphasizes need for government to control trusts.

Progressivism Overview

• Progressivism mainly an urban movement.
• Influential group: middle-class women in cities.
• Addressing issues from the Gilded Age: housing, health, child labor.
• Ideas inherited from populists: referendum, recall, direct elections.

Progressivism in Texas

• Texas as a leading figure, though often overlooked in history.
• Progressivism hits Texas heavily after the Galveston Hurricane of 1900.
• Led to commission form of government for better efficiency.

Major Reforms

• Public Utilities: Government-regulated, initially a monopoly.
• Popular Referendum: Allowed legislative actions via public vote.
• Labor Laws: Protect laborers, regulate child labor, limit work hours.
• Banking: Legalized state banks, regulated insurance and banking.
• Election Reform: Introduced poll taxes, disenfranchised minorities.
• Trust Regulation: Example - Waters Pierce case.
• Tax Reform: Full rendition tax on non-tangible assets of businesses.

Social Issues and Movements

• Women's Suffrage: Advocated by moral and religious roles, achieved in 1919.
• Prohibition: Major issue dividing and defining political candidates.

Progressive Texas Leaders

• Edward House: Influential advisor, promoted progressive policies.
• Thomas Campbell: Introduced full rendition tax, advocated for banking reforms.
• Oscar Colquitt: Addressed child labor, promoted prohibition.
• James Paul Ferguson: Impeached due to corruption and opposition to progressivism.
• William Hobby: Supported prohibition and women's suffrage.

Mexican Revolution and Its Impact

• Revolutionary activities across Texas-Mexico border.
• Plan of San Diego aimed at inciting race war in Texas.
• Pancho Villa's raids impacting U.S.-Mexican relations.

Texas in World War I

• Zoning Telegraph: Final straw for U.S. entry into WWI.
• Homefront Efforts: Raised funds, promoted national defense.
• German Texans: Targeted for alleged disloyalty.
• Military Training: Texas as a hub for military camps and training.
• Economic Impact: Cotton and oil production surged.

The Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s

• Revival of the KKK with expanded focus beyond African Americans.
• Significant political influence in Texas politics.

Ma Ferguson

• First female governor in Texas, opponent of the Klan.
• Accusations of corruption during her tenure.

Political Dynamics in the 1920s

• Dan Moody: Opponent of Ferguson, promoted prison reform.
• Democratic Split: Division over Al Smith's candidacy and Hoover's win.

Key Takeaways

• Texas played a crucial role in the Progressive Movement.
• Significant reforms in governance, social issues, and economy.
• Notably progressive in legislation, despite regional biases in historical narratives.

Next Lecture

• Discussion on the rise of the oil industry in Texas.
• Explore the economic transformation of Texas post-progressivism.

Contact: Reach out with any questions or concerns.