“Boss Tweed”

Urban Politics of the Gilded Age• Graft• Patronage• Kickbacks• Pros & Cons ofPolitical Machines

The Progressive Movement

•Middle-class movement•Bi-partisan

•Work within the system of government to change society

Problem: corrupt Political Machines

Solution: More democracy & Structural change

Examples:

• Initiatives & Recalls – more power to the people

• 17th Amendment - Direct Election of Senators

Political Reforms

Problem: Monopolies abused power

Solution: More government involvement

Examples:

•enforce existing laws

• Regulation - Child labor, Worker safety, consumer & enviro. protection laws

Economic Reforms

Problem: America needs to be “cleaned up”

Solution: Women become more involved

Examples:

•Women’s Suffrage – let women vote

• Enforce Morality (Anti -Alcohol & Anti- Prostitution)

• Clean Up Slums/Tenements (Settlement Houses)

Social Reforms