The Progressive Era: Politics, Women, and Reform

Summary

The lecture delves into the Progressive Era in American history, highlighting its roots in movements like the Greenback Labour and Populist parties. Progressives sought to address the unchecked power of capitalism, advocating for government intervention in industry and labor. Key figures such as Jacob Riis, Ida Tarbell, and Upton Sinclair exposed societal injustices, sparking reforms like the Pure Food and Drug Act. The era also saw significant advancements in women's rights, including the push for suffrage. Notable events like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire emphasized the urgency for workplace safety and reform, shaping the era's legislative strides.

Takeaways

• 😀 Progressivism in the U.S. was rooted in movements like the Greenback Labour Party (1870s) and the Populist Party (1890s), focusing on using government for human welfare.
• 😀 Progressives were concerned about the unchecked power of capitalism and believed government intervention was necessary in the industrial age.
• 😀 The rise of muckrakers, such as Jacob Riis, Ida Tarbell, and Upton Sinclair, exposed social injustices like poverty, corporate monopolies, and unsanitary working conditions.
• 😀 Jacob Riis's photography exposed the horrific living conditions of the poor in New York City, while Upton Sinclair's work led to the Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act.
• 😀 Progressives passed the 17th Amendment in 1913, allowing direct election of Senators by the public, shifting more power to the people.
• 😀 Women's rights movements gained traction during the Progressive Era, with women pushing for voting rights and workplace reforms.
• 😀 Despite societal norms, women advocated for changes, particularly in factory conditions, where they were paid less and worked in dangerous environments.
• 😀 The Muller v. Oregon case helped establish laws protecting women workers, marking a victory for women's rights in the workforce.
• 😀 The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory disaster in 1911 highlighted the deadly consequences of unsafe workplace conditions, particularly for women workers.
• 😀 The tragedy of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire, where many women jumped to their deaths, was a pivotal moment for labor reform and government intervention.
• 😀 The Progressive Era led to significant societal changes, with ongoing struggles for workers' rights, gender equality, and government responsibility in addressing social issues.

Q & A

What was the central goal of the Progressive Era?

The central goal of the Progressive Era was to use government as an agent of human welfare, addressing issues like the unrestrained power of capitalism, improving the conditions for laborers, and curbing corporate monopolies.

What earlier movements influenced the progressives?

The progressives had their roots in the Greenback Labour Party of the 1870s and the Populist Party of the 1890s, both of which were concerned with economic reforms and the power of corporations.

How did the progressives view the role of government in society?

Progressives believed that the government should no longer adopt a hands-off, laissez-faire approach. They argued that the government needed to be more active in responding to the challenges of a new industrial age.

Who were the muckrakers, and what role did they play in the Progressive Era?

Muckrakers were journalists, writers, and photographers who exposed societal issues and corruption. Notable muckrakers included Jacob Riis, Ida Tarbell, and Upton Sinclair, who uncovered the poor living conditions in cities, the corrupt practices of big corporations, and the brutal conditions in factories, respectively.

What legislative changes were influenced by the work of muckrakers?

Muckrakers like Upton Sinclair helped push for new legislation such as the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act, which aimed to improve public health and safety.

What was the 17th Amendment, and why was it significant for the progressives?

The 17th Amendment, passed during the Progressive Era, allowed for the direct election of senators by the people, rather than by state legislatures, which was a major victory for democratic reform.

How did the role of women change during the Progressive Era?

Women began to organize for political and social reforms, including the right to vote. They also campaigned for improvements in factory conditions and were instrumental in pushing for the passage of laws protecting female workers.

What was the significance of the Muller v. Oregon case for women's rights?

The Muller v. Oregon case established the constitutionality of laws that protected women workers, arguing that women were weaker than men and thus needed special protection in the workplace.

What was the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and how did it impact labor laws?

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which killed hundreds of women in 1911, highlighted the dangerous and unsafe working conditions in factories. This tragedy spurred public outcry and led to new labor reforms, including stricter fire safety codes and regulations for factory workers.

What was the broader social impact of the Progressive Era's reforms?

The Progressive Era's reforms helped to shift American society toward greater government intervention in economic and social issues. These changes were pivotal in advancing labor rights, women's suffrage, and public health regulations, which laid the groundwork for further reforms in the 20th century.