The PROGRESSIVE Era [APUSH Unit 7 Topic 4] Period 7: 1898-1945

Summary

In this video, Heimler discusses the Progressive Era, focusing on its goals and the diverse group of reformers who sought government intervention to address societal issues. Progressives aimed to tackle the power of big business, labor conflicts, Jim Crow laws, and women's suffrage, among other causes. Muckrakers like Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell exposed corruption, while reforms like the secret ballot and direct election of senators expanded democracy. Teddy Roosevelt's 'Square Deal' addressed trust-busting, consumer protection, and conservation, shaping the national stage of Progressivism.

Takeaways

• 📚 The Progressive Era was a period of significant social and political reform in the United States, addressing issues like big business power, economic uncertainty, labor conflicts, political corruption, racial segregation, and women's rights.
• 👥 Progressives were a diverse group including Protestant church leaders, feminists, labor union leaders, and African Americans, united by the belief in the need for substantial government intervention to correct societal issues.
• 📰 Muckrakers, such as Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell, were investigative journalists who exposed corruption and unsanitary conditions in industries, contributing to public awareness and calls for reform.
• 🗳️ Progressives sought to expand democracy by introducing the secret ballot, direct election of senators through the 17th Amendment, and fighting for women's suffrage and Prohibition through the 18th and 19th Amendments.
• 🏛️ The initiative, referendum, and recall were legislative reforms aimed at giving more power to the people and reducing the influence of corrupt politicians.
• 🛠️ Scientific management, advocated by Frederick Taylor, was about making work more efficient, and some Progressives thought this approach could be applied to government to increase efficiency.
• 🌐 Black Progressives, through organizations like the Niagara Movement and NAACP, fought for racial equality and an end to segregation and lynching, though their issues were often sidelined in the broader Progressive agenda.
• 🌳 Theodore Roosevelt's presidency was marked by trust-busting, consumer protection laws like the Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act, and conservation efforts to preserve natural resources.
• 🔄 The Progressive Era contrasted with the Gilded Age, where people were often helpless against big business and a government that served their interests, by empowering citizens and promoting social justice.
• 📈 The era saw a shift in power dynamics, with the government taking a more active role in societal reform, aiming to address the imbalances of the Gilded Age.

Q & A

What is the Progressive Era in American history?

The Progressive Era was a period of widespread social activism and political reform across the United States that lasted from the 1890s to the 1920s. It was characterized by attempts to address the problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption.

Who were the Progressives and what did they generally agree on?

The Progressives were a diverse group of individuals including Protestant church leaders, feminists, labor union leaders, and African Americans, among others. They generally agreed that society was deteriorating and that significant government intervention was necessary to bring about societal change.

What was the role of muckrakers during the Progressive Era?

Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed corruption and social injustices. They played a crucial role in bringing public attention to issues like unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, as illustrated by Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle', and the monopolistic practices of companies like Standard Oil, as exposed by Ida Tarbell.

How did Progressives work to expand democracy?

Progressives sought to expand democracy by introducing reforms such as the secret ballot, direct election of senators through the 17th Amendment, and constitutional amendments like the 18th Amendment for Prohibition and the 19th Amendment for women's suffrage. They also advocated for legislative reforms like the initiative, referendum, and recall to give more power to the people.

What was the significance of the 17th Amendment in the context of the Progressive Era?

The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, changed the way senators were elected by transferring the responsibility from state legislatures to direct popular vote. This was a significant reform that aimed to reduce the influence of big business interests and political machines over the selection of senators.

What were the goals of the Niagara Movement during the Progressive Era?

The Niagara Movement, led by W.E.B. DuBois, was an organization aimed at securing civil rights for African Americans. It sought to challenge racial segregation and promote educational opportunities for black children, as well as address the issue of southern lynchings.

How did Teddy Roosevelt's presidency reflect the Progressive Era's ideals?

Teddy Roosevelt's presidency embodied the Progressive Era's ideals through his 'Square Deal' program, which aimed to provide a fair deal to both business and labor. He was known for trust-busting, enforcing the Sherman Antitrust Act, advocating for consumer protection laws like the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act, and promoting conservation efforts.

What was the impact of Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle' on the Progressive Era?

Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle' had a profound impact on the Progressive Era by exposing the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry. The public outcry that followed led to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act, which were significant consumer protection laws.

What was the concept of 'scientific management' as advocated by Frederick Taylor, and how did it relate to the Progressive Era?

Frederick Taylor's concept of 'scientific management' involved using detailed observation and measurement to improve efficiency in work processes. This idea appealed to Progressives who believed that applying scientific principles could make government and industry more efficient and effective.

How did the Progressive Era differ from the Gilded Age in terms of government's role in society?

The Progressive Era differed from the Gilded Age in that it emphasized a more active government role in addressing societal issues. While the Gilded Age was characterized by laissez-faire policies and minimal government intervention, the Progressive Era saw a push for government regulation and reform to counteract the negative effects of industrialization and urbanization.