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Overview of the Progressive Era Changes

May 4, 2025

Heimler's History: The Progressive Era

Introduction to the Progressive Era

  • Part of the AP U.S. History curriculum.
  • Significant government intervention was seen as necessary to correct societal issues.
  • Progressives were diverse, including Protestant leaders, feminists, labor leaders, and African Americans.

Key Issues and Goals

  • Control of big business and economic uncertainties post-Panic of 1893.
  • Labor conflicts and political machine control over urban residents.
  • Jim Crow segregation and women's suffrage.
  • Alcohol prohibition.

Muckrakers

  • Journalists exposing corruption; dubbed by Teddy Roosevelt.
  • Notable works include:
    • Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle": Unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.
    • Ida Tarbell: ExposĂ© on Standard Oil.
    • Jacob Riis: Photojournalism on poor living conditions.

Expansion of Democracy

  • Secret ballot to reduce political bosses' power.
  • Direct election of senators (17th Amendment, 1913) to reduce big business influence.
  • 18th Amendment: Prohibition of alcohol.
  • 19th Amendment: Women's suffrage.
  • Legislative reforms:
    • Initiative: Voters can propose bills.
    • Referendum: Voters decide on proposed laws.
    • Recall: Remove corrupt politicians before term ends.

Efficiency in Government

  • Frederick Taylor's "scientific management" for factory efficiency.
  • Idea applied to government efficiency.

Social Justice and Racial Equality

  • Plessy v Ferguson (1896): Legalized segregation.
  • Niagara Movement: Led by W.E.B. DuBois, protested for black rights.
  • NAACP: Aimed to abolish segregation and improve education for blacks.

Progressivism on the National Stage

  • Progressive Presidents like Teddy Roosevelt.
  • Square Deal: Fair treatment for business leaders and workers.
  • Trust-busting:
    • Enforcing the Sherman Antitrust Act.
    • Differentiating between good and bad trusts.
  • Consumer Protection Laws:
    • Pure Food and Drug Act: Ensured food safety.
    • Meat Inspection Act: Ensured sanitation in meatpacking.
  • Conservation Efforts:
    • Forest Reserve Act of 1891: Reserved 150 million acres of land.

Conclusion

  • Progressive Era saw significant changes in democracy, social justice, and government intervention.
  • More resources available in Heimler's Unit 7 playlist.

Full transcript