“The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into our common life.”
― Jane Addams
Progressive Movement
As the 19th century starts to wind down, the gilding covering the human costs behind industrial growth begins to peel away. Reformers and "Muckrakers" like Upton Sinclair, Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, and W.E.B. DuBois use mass media to expose social issues of the period and advocate for legislative solutions. Americans stirred by the gritting reality of tenement living and child labor captured in the images of Jacob Riis and Lewis W. Hines push for government regulations. Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" described the dangerous work conditions in the food industry prompting passage of the Food and Drug Safety Act and creation of the Food and Drug Agency. While many of the reforms focused on issues related to people, the environment was not forgotten. Concerned about the negative impacts of industry and urbanization, conservationists, including President Theodore Roosevelt, push for the creation of a National Park System to preserve natural wonders in the country.
Socially conscience citizens, many of the urban middle to upper class, organize the Progressive Party. Progressive politicians supported pushed through political reforms like initiative, referendum and recall. Constitutional amendments creating a national income tax, direct election of Senators, Prohibition, and the Women suffrage are all passed during this period. Anti-trust legislation is enforced breaking up monopolies. From the Temperance Movement to anti-lynching campaigns, women rose to national leadership spearheading these growing reform groups. Suffragettes marching across the nation gain voting rights in a number of states before Congress finally passes the 19th amendment. But did these reforms give the federal government too much power? Is government the most effective solution to social issues? Some argue not all progressive actions produced improvements, citing how organized crime becomes big business during prohibition, 16th amendment gave the federal government the right to take money from wages and the direct election of Senators reduces the influence of state legislatures to shape national policies.
Socially conscience citizens, many of the urban middle to upper class, organize the Progressive Party. Progressive politicians supported pushed through political reforms like initiative, referendum and recall. Constitutional amendments creating a national income tax, direct election of Senators, Prohibition, and the Women suffrage are all passed during this period. Anti-trust legislation is enforced breaking up monopolies. From the Temperance Movement to anti-lynching campaigns, women rose to national leadership spearheading these growing reform groups. Suffragettes marching across the nation gain voting rights in a number of states before Congress finally passes the 19th amendment. But did these reforms give the federal government too much power? Is government the most effective solution to social issues? Some argue not all progressive actions produced improvements, citing how organized crime becomes big business during prohibition, 16th amendment gave the federal government the right to take money from wages and the direct election of Senators reduces the influence of state legislatures to shape national policies.
What to know for the EOC
- Evaluate the impact of Progressive Era reforms, including initiative, referendum, recall, and the passage of the 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th amendments
- Evaluate the impact of muckrakers and reform leaders such as Upton Sinclair, Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, and W.E.B. DuBois on American society
- Evaluate the impact of third parties, including the Populist and Progressive Parties
- Identify the roles of government entities and private citizens in managing the environment such as the establishment of the National Park System
- Describe the changing relationship between the federal government and private business, including the costs and benefits of laissez-faire, anti-trust acts, the Interstate Commerce Act, and the Pure Food and Drug Act
- Discuss historical reasons why the constitution has been amended
- Identify and analyze methods of expanding the right to participate in the democratic process, including lobbying and amendments to the U.S. Constitution
- Describe the emergence of monetary policy in the US, including the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 and the shifting trend from a gold standard to fiat money
- Identify the political, social, and economic contributions of women such as Frances Willard, Jane Addams and Eleanor Roosevelt
Resources
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