UNIT IThe Progressive

EraCH. 18 (1900-1914)

18.1Roots of Progressivism

Part 1

RISE OF PROGRESSIVISMIndustrialization, immigration, urbanization helped lead to national growth and prosperity.

Also led to poverty, high unemployment, poor working conditions and political corruption.

Progressivism was born.Government is responsible for change.

RISE OF PROGRESSIVISMLed by educated white middle class and some white women:

Journalists, educators, politicians, clergymen.

RISE OF PROGRESSIVISM

Anti-laissez-faire.Because: Unregulated economy led to poverty, crime, unfairness.

Support government intervention in society to fix problems and level playing field.

THE MUCKRAKERS

Reform oriented journalists who investigated and reported on poor social conditions and corrupt politicians.

Sensationalized conditions in industries and slums.President T. Roosevelt called them “muckrakers.”People horrified by what they saw and read.Upton Sinclair (The Jungle)- Novel on Chicago’s

unsanitary stockyards.Jacob Riis (How the Other Half Lives.)- photos of

urban poor in NYC.

Fix government before government can fix problems.

Direct primary: election where citizens vote to select nominees.

Initiative-Citizenry put proposed law on a ballot by collecting signatures on a petition.

Referendum-citizens approve or reject passed laws.

Recall-Vote to remove official from office. 17th Amendment- Direct election of state

senators by the people.

Democracy and Progressivism