Main Idea of the
Progressive Era

Progressive Era: Main Idea

The basic belief during the Progressive Era was that people could make progress or improve society by using science and knowledge.

Industrialization and urbanization caused major problems and the government should be responsible for fixing them.

Progressives and Reformers were people who wanted to improve society.

Muckrakers

Muckrakers

Muckrakers were Progressives who exposed the evils of society, business, and government.

Muckrakers exposed things like:

- unfair business practices (the railroads)

- dangerous work conditions (factories)

- unsanitary food conditions (slaughterhouses)

- unsafe food or medical products (drug companies)

Muckrakers were able to make many changes that improved Americans' lives.

Upton Sinclair

Upton Sinclair: Muckraker

Wrote the book The Jungle &  exposed the horrors and dangers of the meat packing industry.

His muckraking led to the "Meat Inspection Act" and the "Pure Food and Drug Act".

Gave the public cleaner, healthier, and safer foods and drugs while also protecting the workers.

Thomas Nast

Thomas Nast: Muckraker

Political cartoonist who exposed

the corrupt politicians like Boss Tweed

(whom he drew with a money sign

on his face instead of his facial features)

Ida Tarbell

Ida Tarbell: Muckraker

Published articles on the evils of trusts like John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Co.

Her muckraking led to the

Sherman Anti-Trust Laws aimed at stopping

the unfair business practices, trusts, and monopolies.

Jacob Ris

Jacob Ris: Muckraker

Wrote a book called How the Other Half Lives.

He exposed the horrible living conditions of the poor.

His efforts led to things like New York City passing building codes to promote safety.

Reformers

Reformers

Reformers were those who wanted to change, improve, or reform the way business and government was run.

Wanted to reform things like:

1. Child labor abuses

2. Public's power in government

3. Voting rights for women

4. Minority rights

5. Workers rights

6. Help for the needy

Reformers were able to make changes that improved the lives of average people.

Reformer Temperance Movement

Reformer Temperance Movement

Those who were against the drinking of alcohol and wanted America to be "dry" (no alcohol at all).

In 1919, their efforts finally resulted in the 18th Amendment, banning alcohol. This was called Prohibition.

Reformer Suffrage Movement

Reformer Suffrage Movement

Susan B. Anthony led the efforts for women's suffrage or voting rights.

In 1920 the 19th Amendment

gave women the right to vote!

Robert La Follette

Robert La Follette: Reformer

Wisconsin Senator who wanted the government to be more responsive to the American people.

Worked for passage of laws that included initiatives, referendums, direct primaries, and recall of elected officials.

Efforts led to the 17th Amendment for

the direct election of senators.

Teddy Roosevelt as

Reformer

Teddy Roosevelt the Reformer

President known for his Progressive efforts to help the common man.

He felt government should help right the wrongs o fthe industrial giants (the trusts).

Became the "trust busting" President.

Jane Addams

Jane Addams: Reformer

Founded "Hull House"

to help immigrants and those in need. 

This was the beginning of social services like Youth Shelter, food banks, and women's shelters

Labor Unions

Labor Unions as Reform

Unions were organizations that attempted to gain safer work conditions, shorter work hours, and higher wages for workers.

They often used strikes (refusal to work) and

collective bargaining (all agreeing to the same deal) to gain what they wanted.