The Progressive Movement

The Industrialization of the US after the Civil War created many new problems, especially in growing cities.

Corruption in all levels of government bothered many people.

By the end of the 1800’s, people who were looking for changes in government and improvements in social conditions were demanding reforms

Who were the “progressives” ?

Who joined the Progressive Movement? Both Democrats and Republicans Men and Women People from the middle class with some

education City dwellers Their leaders were: journalists, teachers,

social workers, ministers, and politicians

What did progressives want to change? End corruption in govt. – on all levels End child labor Limit the power of big corporations Improve living conditions for the poor Clean up slums Votes for women Reduce abuse of alcohol

How did they try to accomplish their goals? First step – make the general public AWARE of

the problems and issues Gather information about the issues and publish

books, photographs, newspaper articles etc… MUCKRAKERS – a nickname for investigative

journalists Example: JACOB RIIS – he published a book

called How the Other Half Lives – a collection of photographs of tenement life in NY City

Reforming City Governments Many cities had corrupt and inefficient

governments – progressives tried to change that Problem? – Mayors of cities often gave jobs and

contracts to their friends and political supporters. These people were often unqualified and cheated taxpayers.

Solution #1- Commission Plan – city govt. divided into dept.s – each dept. run by a qualified expert.

Solution #2 – Council Manager System – city council hires a qualified manager to run the day to day business of the city.

Voting Reforms and Changes Progressives felt that the way candidates were chosen

and laws were made was not always fair or democratic Direct primary – all voters chose the candidate to run in

the general election Initiative – citizens propose a law – then state leg. Votes

on it Referendum – citizens vote Yes or No on a proposed

law Recall – voters can remove an elected official from

office Robert La Follette – progressive Gov. of Wisc. – first

state to try many of these ideas

Senators

Since 1789, Senators were selected by state legislatures, not by the people directly.

Progressives wanted to see direct election of senators

The 17th Amendment was ratified in 1913 – direct election of senators