Lecture Notes: The Progressivism and Expansion of American Identity

Introduction

• At the dawn of the 20th century, Americans began to see themselves as a vital part of the global landscape.
• Concepts of freedom and equality evolved post-1876 due to U.S. expansion, especially in the 1890s.
• America saw itself as a model of a free society and a promoter of democracy worldwide.

Changes in American Identity

• Despite international ambitions, internal struggles for equal rights persisted.
• Native Americans were mostly confined to reservations.
• Blacks were considered second-class citizens; Chinese and Asians faced exclusion and prejudice.
• Rising hostility toward immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, and Mexico.

Progressive Movement

• Emerged due to tensions between different societal classes, notably middle-class dissatisfaction.
• Focused on social justice, civic engagement, and political reforms.

Key Figures & Contributions

1. Jane Addams

   • Co-founded Hull House, a social settlement in Chicago.
   • Advocated for women's right to vote based on urban living needs.

2. Margaret Sanger

   • Pioneered birth control reform, emphasizing women's reproductive rights.

3. Frances Perkins

   • Pushed for worker safety laws and labor reforms.

4. Bob LaFollette

   • Progressive leader, advocated for income tax reforms and governmental changes in Wisconsin.

5. George Vanderbilt & Gifford Pinchot

   • Worked on sustainable agriculture and conservation efforts.

6. W.E.B. Du Bois

   • Founded NAACP, struggled with the progressives over racial issues.

Progressive Ideals & Challenges

• Progressives aimed for a stable society but supported segregation in the South for fear of racial conflicts.
• Advocated for powerful government intervention to ensure capitalism thrived with societal regulations.

Impact of Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

• A 1911 fire resulted in 146 deaths, leading to significant labor reforms.
• Catalyzed political reform efforts by Tammany Hall and figures like Alfred E. Smith and Robert F. Wagner.

National vs. State-Level Progressivism

• Progressive reforms were prominent at state levels, especially in labor and tax law changes.
• Faced challenges in addressing national-level corporate issues, necessitating federal intervention.

Theodore Roosevelt's Contributions

• Roosevelt supported progressivism by using antitrust litigation to control corporate power.
• Advocated conservation and environmental protection, forming national parks and monuments.

Muckrakers and Public Policy

• Writers like Upton Sinclair exposed industry malpractices, leading to public outcry and legislative changes.

Wilson Administration

• Introduced income tax, direct election of senators, and the Federal Reserve.
• However, also oversaw racial segregation in federal facilities.

Legacy of Progressivism

• Shifted U.S. from laissez-faire governance, enhancing state and federal roles in ensuring social justice.
• Established regulatory precedents for 20th century and beyond, balancing capitalism with societal welfare.