Progressive Era

Introduction

Today’s Agenda• Current Events

– The Debates

– Who Won?

• Introduce the Progressive Era

• Presentations Day 17

• Homework

–Read Section 5.1

Unit Objectives:

• Identify the problems addressed by the Progressives.

• List the goals they established to address those problems.

• Identify the coalition members who made up the Progressives.

• Explain the grass roots origins of the movement.

How does reform differ from revolution?• Reform= To gradually make better

– via activism & the democratic process

• Revolution= A sudden monumental change

– Via violence (politically)

Status Quo

Revolution

Reform

What was the Progressive Era?

• A reform movement from 1890-1920

• Advocated the use of experts to discover solutions to waste and corruption

• Sought change in all policies at all levels of society, economy and government

What problems did America face in 1900?• Rapid Urban Growth and Decay

– Overcrowded conditions, sanitation problems, disease, foul drinking water

• Social Problems– Illiteracy, alcoholism, child labor,

women’s rights • Political Corruption

– “Bossism,” Political Machines, Bribes, Kickbacks

• Labor Unrest– Violence, Economic disruption, low

wages, unsafe conditions• Industrial Disorder

– Cut throat competition, price fixing

What problems did America face in 1900?

What were the goals of the Progressives?

• Eliminate political corruption

• Create an efficient, professional government

• Make the economy fair

• Make government more democratic

What was the philosophy of the Progressives?

• Pragmatic

• Not committed to theories

• Judge a program or idea by its usefulness.

Who were the Progressives?• A coalition of:

– Intellectuals– Muckrakers Angry

Writers– Religious

Reformers– Concerned

Women– African

Americans– Concerned Middle

Class

What is a coalition?

Intellectuals

Angry Writers

Religious Reformers

Concerned Women

African Americans

Concerned Middle Class

Interest Groups

Union Leaders

• A group comprised of various interest groups who join together to form one voice

Intellectuals

Angry Writers

Religious Reformers

Concerned Women

African Americans

Concerned Middle Class

Interest Groups

Union Leaders

Progressive Progressive CoalitionCoalition

• A group comprised of various interest groups who join together to form one voice

What is a coalition?

Origins of the Movement

• When?

• When do eras begin and end?

1900 “Bookends” 19201880s 1915-1925

Eras usually begin and end gradually. The Progressive Era began in the 1890s, took off in 1900, began to decline as World War I approached, and was “over” by the twenties.

TR President 1901 Harding Elected 1920

The Progressive Era began on the “Grass Roots” level, in neighborhoods and spread city wide.

It spread to the state level with leaders like “Fighting Bob” Lafollette in Wisconsin.

It assumed its national character with the ascension of Teddy Roosevelt to the Presidency in 1901.