Progressive &

Social Reform

The Road to Progress

Before Progressivism there were many conditions in America that were unacceptable.

These conditions were noticeable in the areas of cities, businesses, factories, workers and food industry.

Progressives Goals

Progressives were made up of average wealth Republicans, Democrats, & other political parties.

Goals: -SOCIAL -MORAL -ECONOMIC -POLITICAL

Beliefs

1. Should be more accountable to its citizens2. Should curb the power and influences of wealthy

interests3. Should be given expanded powers so that it could

become more active in improving the lives of citizens

4. Should become more efficient and less corrupt so that they could competently handle an expanded role.

Progressives had in common four beliefs that the government should be responsible for.

Writers & New IdeasThe ideas of journalists and other writers had enormous influence on public opinion.

These writings publicized their work so that the public would pressure the government to take action and make new laws.

MuckrakersJournalist that played a key role in alerting the public of wrongdoing were called muckrakers.

A muckrake is a rake or pitchfork used to clean up

manure and hay out of stables.

Reform Organizations-Labor Movement - strived to improve working conditions-Socialists - worked to improve the distribution of wealth and change the monopolistic companies to government responsibility.-Women's Groups – tried

to make progress in nearly every major reform issue such as child labor to government services.

Government Role ExpandsSocial welfare programs were increased which helped to ensure a minimum standard of living.

These programs increased

responsibility for welfare or well-being

of people.

The JungleMuckraker

Upton Sinclair was the writer of the novel

that investigated

the meatpacking industry. His

findings turned the

nation’s stomach.

Protecting Public HealthMuckrakers persuaded Roosevelt to respond to the horrors of the food industry.

The result was the Meat Inspection Act & the Pure Food and Drug Act

Safety & FoodPure Food and Drug Act- Whatever a company puts in food, they must label the food with what is in it. No chemicals and other non-food products can be put in food!!

Meat Inspection Act- Meat companies must be inspected for approval by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

Progress in Factories

-Doors and windows must be open and unlocked-Separate break and bathroom areas-Windows must be open, no locks or bars-Fire exits available

Progress & Workers Rights

-Set hours, set pay, and break for workers-Unions may be established-Worker’s compensation if injured on the job

City Living- Apartments are built with plumbing and toilets.-Sewer systems and sanitation are established in cities.-Apartments must have fire escapes.

Social Classes

Upper ClassMiddle ClassLower Class

Due to rapid industrialization the class system was becoming more and more of a problem.

The Wealthy

Old Money – Families who accumulated wealth over years and years.New Money – monopolies helped new business owners get rich quick. Conspicuous Consumption – showing off your wealth by buying in excess expensive goods.

Industry and Money

Monopolies contributed to these new ideas of conspicuous consumption and new money.

Regulating The WealthSherman-Anti Trust Act denied the idea

of monopolies.One person or one company cannot be

in total control anymore in order to

allow small businesses to be

successful.

Women's SuffrageAs the role of women increased with reform organizations so did the idea of suffrage.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony are

the most celebrated champions of women's

suffrage

Suffrage at LastIn 1919 Congress proposed the suffrage amendment and the 19th amendment was ratified in 1920.

Women finally had the right to vote!

Election of 1912Republican Nomination=William TaftDemocratic Nomination=Woodrow Wilson

Progressives were disappointed with the Republican Nomination so they formed their own party. THE BULL

MOOSE PARTY

Progressive Nomination=Theodore Roosevelt