Overview
This lecture discusses the grassroots origins of progressivism, key reforms to expand democracy, improve government efficiency, address social justice issues, and contrasts mainstream progressives with more radical movements during the Progressive Era.
Grassroots Progressivism & Expanding Democracy
- Progressivism began with local reforms, then advanced to state and federal levels.
- Progressives believed government action was essential to improving society.
- Reducing government corruption and expanding democracy were early priorities.
- The direct primary allowed party members, not bosses, to choose candidates.
- The initiative enabled citizens to propose laws directly.
- The referendum permitted citizens to accept or reject laws passed by legislatures.
- The recall empowered voters to remove corrupt officials from office before their term ended.
- The 17th Amendment mandated direct election of U.S. Senators by voters, increasing democracy.
- Little progress was made on expanding democracy for African Americans due to Jim Crow laws.
Efficiency, Expertise, and Government Reform
- Progressives wanted experts, rather than politicians, to guide policies.
- City commissions and city manager systems aimed to address local problems with professional expertise.
- Wisconsin became a model for progressive reform under Robert La Follette, emphasizing expert input (“Wisconsin Idea”).
- Taylorism (“scientific management”) influenced the push for government efficiency.
Social Justice and Labor Reform
- Progressives also pursued change outside government, focusing on urban poverty, labor, and social justice.
- Jane Addams established Hull House, a settlement house aiding the urban poor in Chicago.
- The National Child Labor Committee campaigned against child labor, leading to the Keating-Owen Act, which banned interstate trade involving child labor (later struck down by the Supreme Court).
- The Fair Labor Standards Act (1930s) eventually prohibited interstate trade using child labor.
- Florence Kelley and the National Consumers League promoted fair labor standards by boycotting exploitative businesses.
- The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire (1911) highlighted dangerous working conditions and spurred labor reform.
The Temperance Movement and Prohibition
- The Women’s Christian Temperance Union led efforts to ban alcohol.
- Local and state “dry” vs. “wet” battles over alcohol laws set the stage for national prohibition.
- The 18th Amendment (1920) banned the sale, transport, and manufacture of alcohol nationwide.
Radical Progressivism
- Some groups, like the Socialist Party of America (SPA) and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW, “Wobblies”), sought to replace capitalism rather than reform it.
- SPA favored political participation and voting; IWW advocated direct action and strikes.
- Eugene Debs led the SPA and was notable in labor movements like the Pullman Strike.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Direct Primary — election in which party members choose candidates.
- Initiative — citizens can propose new laws directly.
- Referendum — citizens approve or reject laws by vote.
- Recall — voters can remove officials before their term ends.
- 17th Amendment — allowed direct election of U.S. Senators.
- Taylorism — scientific management to improve efficiency.
- Settlement House — community center providing social services to the poor.
- Keating-Owen Act — law banning interstate trade of goods made with child labor.
- 18th Amendment — constitutional ban on alcohol.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the impact of each progressive reform on democracy and society.
- Read about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and its significance.
- Prepare examples of grassroots, state, and federal reforms for class discussion.