Heimler's History - The Progressive Era

Introduction

• Focus on Unit 7 of the AP U.S. History curriculum.
• Discussion centered around the Progressive Era.
• Aim: Compare goals and effects of the Progressive reform movement.

Who Were the Progressives?

• Diverse group, not always in agreement.
• Focus areas included:
  • Power of big business.
  • Economic uncertainties post-Panic of 1893.
  • Labor conflicts and employer relations.
  • Opposition to political machine control.
  • Jim Crow laws and women's suffrage.
  • Prohibition of alcohol.
• Diverse membership:
  • Protestant church leaders.
  • Feminists.
  • Labor union leaders.
  • African Americans.
• Common belief: societal deterioration required government intervention.

Muckrakers: Progressive Era Journalists

• Aimed to expose societal corruption.
• Named 'muckrakers' by Teddy Roosevelt.
• Notable works:
  • Upton Sinclair's The Jungle: Exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.
  • Ida Tarbell's exposé: Focused on John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company.
  • Jacob Riis's How the Other Half Lives: Highlighted poor living conditions in New York tenements.

Expansion of Democracy

• Anti-political boss initiatives:
  • Secret Ballot: Introduced to prevent political bosses from manipulating votes.
  • Direct Election of Senators: 17th Amendment in 1913 transferred senatorial election power to the people.
• Additional constitutional amendments:
  • 18th Amendment: Prohibition of alcohol.
  • 19th Amendment: Women's suffrage.
• Legislative reforms:
  • Initiative: Voters could force legislative consideration of a bill.
  • Referendum: Allowed voting on proposed laws directly.
  • Recall: Enabled removal of corrupt politicians.

Efficiency in Government

• Inspired by Frederick Taylor's Scientific Management:
  • Advocated efficiency in factory work, and this concept was applied to government.

Social Justice Among Races

• Black Progressives:
  • Post-Plessy v Ferguson (1896) segregation challenged.
  • Niagara Movement: Led by W.E.B. DuBois for black rights.
  • NAACP: Focused on abolishing segregation and expanding educational opportunities.

Progressive Presidents

• Teddy Roosevelt:
  • Became president after McKinley's assassination.
  • Promoted the Square Deal focusing on fair business practices.
  • Trust Busting: Enforced Sherman Antitrust Act, distinguishing between 'good' and 'bad' trusts.
  • Consumer Protection: Responded to The Jungle with the Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act.
  • Conservation: Used Forest Reserve Act to preserve natural resources.

Conclusion

• Progressives worked to address various societal issues through government intervention and reforms.
• Their efforts led to significant changes in American politics and society, emphasizing democracy, efficiency, and social justice.