US History Chapter 18 The Progressive Era

Theodore Roosevelt

Became the youngest President ever to hold office after an anarchist assassinated William McKinley in 1901 Impetuous and energetic man who celebrated the "strenuous life" of manly adventure and daring Became the model for the 20th century president - actively and continuously involved in domestic and foreign policy and setting the political agenda Advanced program called the "Square Deal" - addressed problems of economic consolidation by distinguishing between "good" and "bad" corporations Shocked the business world by prosecuting the Northern Securities Company (J.P. Morgan company - meant to run three western railroads that had monopolized rail transport) 1904 - US Supreme Court ordered the Northern Securities dissolved Theodore Roosevelt was the first of the Progressive-era presidents to address this question. As vice president, Roosevelt became the youngest president ever to hold office after an anarchist assassinated William McKinley in 1901. He was an impetuous and energetic man who celebrated the "strenuous life" of manly adventure and daring, and he became the model for the twentieth-century president, actively and continuously involved in domestic and foreign policy and setting the political agenda. Roosevelt advanced a program he called the "Square Deal," which addressed problems of economic consolidation by distinguishing between "good" and "bad" corporations. Soon after taking office, Roosevelt shocked the business world by prosecuting the Northern Securities Company, a "holding" company created by financier J.P. Morgan to run three western railroads that monopolized rail transport between the Great Lakes and the Pacific. In 1904, the Supreme Court handed the antitrust movement a significant victory by ordering Northern Securities dissolved. Presidents should help settle labor disputes as a neutral third party - and not simply act in favor of business 1902 - appointed commission to settle strike between union leaders and managers in the coal industry 1904 (re-elected) - advocated more direct economic regulations - including reinforcing the Interstate Commerce Commission 1906 (shift of public opinion in favor of Roosevelt) - passed Hepburn Act giving the ICC power to set railroad rates Roosevelt also believed the president should help settle labor disputes as a neutral third-party, and not simply act in favor of business, as had previous presidents. In 1902, when a strike paralyzed the coal industry, he brought union leaders and managers to the White House and settled the strike by appointing a commission. Reelected in 1904, Roosevelt advocated more direct economic regulations, including reinforcing the Interstate Commerce Commission, whose powers had been restricted by the Supreme Court. In 1906, public opinion had shifted in support of Roosevelt, and Congress passed the Hepburn Act, giving the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) power to set railroad rates, an important step in giving the federal government regulatory power. While many businessmen supported the creation of new federal agencies to improve consumer product safety, they were alarmed by Roosevelt's calls for federal inheritance and income taxes and interstate business regulation. In the 1890s, Scottish-born naturalist John Muir founded the Sierra Club to help preserve forests from uncontrolled logging from timber corporations. Muir's deep love for nature came from religious beliefs. Almost blinded in an industrial accident in Indianapolis, Muir believe that his sight was restored so that he could appreciate the natural beauty of "God's creations." For example, he called forests, "God's first temples." Roosevelt was also an avid outdoorsman. While the United States led the world in conserving wilderness areas, having established the first national park at Yellowstone in 1872, it had no national conservation policy until Roosevelt's administration. He ordered that millions of acres be set aside as wildlife preserves and urged creation of new national parks. Conservation was typically Progressive in some ways. Experts would help the government serve the public good while preventing "special interests" from damaging the environment. But conservation also served efficiency and control, as conservation aimed to control the exploitation of minerals and forests on national lands, not prevent it. In the West, water was especially scarce and required regulation in order to conserve and distribute it fairly. John Muir and the Spirituality of Nature John Muir (Scottish-born) founded the Sierra Club in the 1890s to help preserve forests from uncontrolled logging from timber corporations Deep love of nature came from religious beliefs - almost blinded in an industrial accidence - he believed that his sight was restored so that he could appreciate the natural beauty of "God's creations" Roosevelt and Economic Regulation John Muir and the Spirituality of Nature The Conservation Movement Roosevelt was an avid outdoorsman US led the world in conserving wilderness areas - and the establishment of its first park (Yellowstone) was in 1972 - but it had not conservation policy Roosevelt ordered that millions of acres be set aside as wildlife preserves and urged creation of new national parks Conservation was Progressive experts helping the government to serve the public good while preventing "special interests" from damaging the environment) Conservation also served efficiency and control - as it aimed to control the exploitation of minerals and forests on national lands - not prevent it

An uran age and a consumer society: Global immigration

Immigration as a Global Process New immigration from southern and eastern Europe reached its peak in the Progressive era - 13 million immigrants came to the US between 1901-1914 mostly from Italy, Russia, and the Austro-Hungarian empire Caused by industrial growth and agricultural decline Between 1840-1914 when WWI halted migration from Europe - nearly 40 million people emigrated to the US and another 20 million moved to other parts of the Western Hemisphere In Asia - millions of people migrated at the same time - from Southeast Asia and the South Pacific from India and China, and from Russia and northern Asia to eastern and Central Asia Some emigrated to American (Chinese, Mexican, and Italian) bound to long-term labor contracts Most European immigrants entered through Ellis Island in New York Harbor, and most Asian immigrants came through San Francisco. Mexican migration was mostly through Texas (1 million between 1900-1930) 1910 - 1 of every 7 people in the US were foreign born - the highest percentage in US History 40% of NYC was foreign born, 30% of Chicago and Milwaukee, most immigrants settled in industrial areas

the promise of abundance

Production shift from capital goods (e.g., steel, railroad equipment) to consumer products Rise of advertising - often linking goods with the idea of freedom "School of freedom" = consumerism (Edward Filene) Abundance came to define the "American way of life" - and personal fulfillment was attained through material goods Desire for consumer goods led many works to join unions and demand higher wages

consumer freedom

mass-consumption society (new meaning to American freedom) Large downtown department stores, chain stores, and mail order made American goods accessible to rural residents While limited by low wages, inequality, and poverty (before WWI) - mass consumption became a cornerstone of American freedom Capitalism was understood to be the source of the abundance Leisure activities (amusement parks, dance halls, theaters) increasingly popular even among the working class

the rise of fordism

(henry ford) Ford did not invent the automobile, but created the production and marketing techniques that enabled ordinary Americans to buy vehicles 1905 - Ford Motor Company (one of many small auto-manufacturers) 1908 - Introduction of Model T Simple, light vehicle that could last on poor roads Standardization of output aimed at lowering price in order to bring a "luxury" good to the masses 1913 - Moving assembly line adoption (Highland Park, Michigan) 1914 - Raised wages to $5/day which allowed him to attract skilled workers 1916 - Model T's were affordable for many workers System of mass production came to be known as "Fordism"

american federation of labor

American Federation of Labor (AFL) AFL tripled to 1.6 million between 1900 to 1904 Leadership became close to corporate leaders who were willing to deal with unions "to stabilize labor relations" AFL Pres. Gompers joined large capitalists in the National Civic Federation (NCF) - accepting worker's rights to collective bargaining in "responsible" unions NCF - settled hundreds of industrial disputes, improved safety, and created pensions for long-term workers Most employers adamantly opposed unions Continued labor strife also illustrated the deep discontent of the Progressive era. American Federation of Labor (AFL) membership tripled to 1.6 million between 1900 and 1904, and simultaneously its leaders became closer to corporate leaders willing to deal with unions as a means to stabilizing labor relations. AFL President Gompers joined with large capitalists in the National Civic Federation, which accepted workers' rights to collective bargaining in "responsible" unions. The National Civic Federation (NCF) helped settle hundreds of industrial disputes and improved safety and created pensions for long-term workers. But most employers still adamantly opposed unions. The AFL mostly represented America's most privileged workers—skilled industrial and craft labor, mostly all white, male, and native-born. In 1905, unionists rejecting the AFL's exclusionist approach formed the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). The IWW was both a union and a revolutionary organization dedicated to seizing the means of production and abolishing the state, and it made solidarity its guiding principle. It sought to organize all workers excluded from the AFL: immigrant factory workers, migrant timber and agricultural workers, women, blacks, and even the Chinese.

the idea of economic citizenship

Brandeis imagined a different kind of welfare state from that of the maternalists - his idea was rooted less in healthy motherhood than in ideas of universal economic entitlement Right to a decent income Protection against unemployment and work-related accidents Rights to this assistance was derived from citizenship not some special service (e.g., mothers) Some states supported this idea - passing workmen's compensation laws The idea of universal entitlements and protection of all workers (including male) would be expressed in the polity of the New Deal era Brandeis imagined a different kind of welfare state from that of maternalists, one rooted less in healthy motherhood than in ideas of universal economic entitlements, such as a right to a decent income and protection against unemployment and work-related accidents. The right to assistance, for Brandeis, derived from citizenship, not some special service to the nation, as in the case of mothers. Some states supported the kind of welfare Brandeis envisioned, as they passed workmen's compensation laws that drew upon workers' own wages to create a fund for workers injured on the job. Yet, the idea of universal entitlements and protections for all workers, including male workers, would be expressed in policy in the New Deal era.

labor and civil liberties

Courts rejected union's claim of exercising 1stAmendment rights (freedom of speech) Labor struggles created the modern demands of civil liberties Workers in "company towns" and other places were not allowed to speak out without being fired IWW waged a series of "free speech" fights as a means of organizing unions in the west IWW members were arrested and jailed for speaking Union would send 100s and 1000s more to speak forcing local governments to arrest the all Eventually local officials would be overwhelmed and allow IWW members to speak

The gospel debs

Eugene V. Debs (former union leader in Pullman Strike) Linked socialism to American ideals of equality, self-government, and freedom Toured the nation preaching "political equality and economic freedom" would only be won through socialism's democratic control of the economy Socialism gained in popularity in Europe (Germany, France and Scandinavia) Debs received 900K votes for president in 1912 Socialist Newspaper - Appeal to Reason - had the largest weekly circulation in the country

an urban age and a consumer society: Urbanism

Farms and Cities Enormous economic growth, population growth, and expansion of the consumer marketplace Farms and cities grew together - with farming entering its "golden age" as cities demanded more goods Cities - focus of Progressive politics and the new mass-consumer society Inequalities of 1890s persisted - immigrants lived in slums, very wealthy lived in isolation. J.P. Morgan's financial firm controlled 40% of the nations finance and industrial capital 1/3 of mining and factory workers lived in poverty Writers and artists moved to cities The Muckrakers Rural perception of cities - place where corporate greed eroded traditional American values New journalists exposed the problems of industrial and urban existence Steffen's series The Shame of the Cities (in McClure) - showed how party bosses and businessmen profited from political corruption Ida Tarbell - pointed to the arrogance and economic machinations of Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company T. Roosevelt - criticized this journalism as "mudraking"

industrial freedom

Freedom had to take on a new meaning to confront early 20th century social and economic realities Different kinds of workers complained of a loss of freedom Large companies sought greater control over work process Taylorism - Frederick W. Taylor's method of scientific management - a way of increasing production and profits by studying and controlling costs and work practices Many skilled workers saw Taylorism as an assault on their traditional control over work processes Large numbers of white-collar workers (e.g., sales people, salaried professionals, etc.) made higher incomes than most workers, but "lost freedom" as they once would have owned their own business L. D. Brandeis (Pres. Wilson's nominee to the US Supreme Court in 1916) - unions were necessary to give workers a role in economic decisions related to wages, working conditions, and managerial decisions (layoffs and profit distribution Progressives wanted to humanize industrial capitalism and find common ground in a society seemingly fragmented by labor conflict and mass immigration. While some desired a return to a competitive marketplace of small producers, others accepted the large corporation and looked to the government to combat a growing concentration of wealth and ensure social justice. Others located freedom in a private sphere of personal fulfillment and self-expression. Nearly all Progressives felt that freedom had to take on a new meaning to confront early twentieth-century social and economic realities. All kinds of workers complained of a loss of freedom in this period. Large auto, electrical, steel, and other companies sought greater control over work processes, and found help in Frederick W. Taylor's' method of "scientific management"—a way of increasing production and profits by scientifically studying and controlling costs and work practices. Many skilled workers saw "Taylorism" as an assault on their traditional control over work processes, and thus, a loss of freedom. Greater numbers of white-collar workers, such as salespeople, salaried professionals, corporate managers, while making higher incomes than most workers, experienced their work as a loss of freedom, as they once would have owned their own business. These developments made "industrial democracy" and "industrial freedom" central to Progressive language and demands. Many Progressives, such as Louis D. Brandeis, an ally of the labor movement and President Wilson's appointee to the Supreme Court in 1916, believed that unions were necessary to give workers a role in economic decision making over, not just wages and working conditions, but also managerial decisions such as layoffs and profit distribution.

The working woman

Gender roles changed dramatically - with women visible in public places (work, stores, entertainment) Increase in women working for wages and involvement in white-collar work Demographics Previously only young, unmarried white women and adult black women During the Progressive era - women moved beyond their traditional roles as wives and mothers. Women of both native and foreign birth earned money independently to participate in the consumerism of the era (sometimes with great friction!)

spearheads for reform

Increase of women in college and professions (particularly social service, nursing, and education) Middle-class women's efforts to help the poor, working women, and children helped expand government's role in society Legislation was necessary for dealing with housing, income, and health inequalities Progressive leaders (spearheads of reform) Julia Lathrop - first woman to head a federal agency - the Children's Bureau Florence Kelley - organized the National Consumer's League (use purchasing power as a means of forcing manufacturers to improve working conditions) Addams typified the era's "new woman," as more and more women went to college and entered professions such as social services, nursing, and education. Middle-class women's efforts to help the poor, working women, and children helped expand government's role in society. Through settlement and other social work, these women learned that legislation was necessary for dealing with housing, income, and health inequalities. Hull House led a number of campaigns for legislation in Illinois, around shorter working hours, workplace safety, and union organizing rights, which inspired others to do likewise. In the South, however, race affected reform, as ending child labor was justified as necessary for giving white children the education they would need as members of the South's ruling race. The settlement houses have been called "spearheads of reform," as they produced prominent Progressive leaders, such as Julia Lathrop, the first women to head a federal agency (the Children's Bureau, founded in 1912 to investigate conditions of mothers and children and advocate for them), and Florence Kelley, who organized the National Consumers League to use purchasing power as a way to force manufacturers to improve working conditions.

an american standard of living

Living Wage (1906) - Father John A. Ryan suggested that a decent standard living was a "natural and absolute" right of citizenship Attempt to translate (in American terms) Pope Leo XII's 1894 declaration of Rerum Nevoraum - which called for social justice over competitive and individualistic competition Demands for a living wage and a decent standard of living were part of the promise of the Progressive era

the rise of personal freedom

Lyrical left's individualist notion of freedom was distinct from other Progressive's interest Sigmund Freud lectured in American in 1909 - noting that Americans were familiar with his theories Free sexual expression and reproductive choice became critical elements of women's liberation for many women Spread beyond "bohemia" to many young, unmarried, and independent women New tolerance for sexual freedom drew gay people to Greenwich Village for the first time

government by expert

Many Progressives were leery of real world politics (narrow interests) Turned to college professors and other professional "experts" believing that government could ensure intelligent rule over a society by impartial experts who were unaccountable to citizens Lippman Drift and Mastery (1914) political freedom rested not in direct political participation but in the formation of public policy by the most qualified

campaign for woman suffrage

Mass movement after 1900 National American Suffrage Association grew enormously with successful campaigns in states - half of which allowed women to vote in local elections regarding schools (Women's Suffrage in Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah) Between 1910-1914 - seven more western states gave women the right to vote Used advertising, publicity, and entertainment that was characteristic of the mass consumer society Campaigns at the state level were costly - and efforts were increased to gain suffrage at the national level After 1900, the campaign for women's suffrage became a mass movement for the first time. The National American Woman Suffrage Association's membership grew enormously, and its campaigns had some success in states, half of which allowed women to vote in local elections regarding schools. It won women's suffrage in Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah. Between 1910 and 1914, seven more western states gave women the vote. These campaigns were conducted with a new spirit of militancy, and used modern methods of advertising, publicity, and entertainment characteristic of a mass consumer society. But state campaigns were costly, and increasingly efforts focused on gaining suffrage at the national level. The celebration of women's domestic role actually inspired the suffrage movement. Many Progressive proposals emerged from the idea that the state should protect women and children, and female reformers formed a movement for improving the lives of poor mothers and children. Many states enacted pensions for mothers to enable them to care for children. Such "maternalist" reforms were based on the assumption that government should encourage women's ability to bear and raise children and allow them to be economically independent. Other Progressive laws recognized that women worked outside the home, but defined them as a dependent group (like children) that needed state protection in ways male workers were not. In the landmark case, Muller v. Oregon (1908), the U.S. Supreme Court accepted the arguments of Louis D. Brandeis that long hours of labor were dangerous for women, whose child-bearing abilities required government protection. This was the first major breach of "liberty of contract" doctrine, just three years after the Lochner decision. But the costs of Muller were high, as while even more states passed protective laws for women workers, these laws both benefited women and tied them to their family roles, and kept reinforced gender discrimination and exclusion in labor markets. Though the use of government to regulate working conditions raised questions about liberty of contract, maternalist policies built gender inequality into the early foundations of the welfare state.

The new immigrants on strike

Mass strikes by immigrant workers placed "collective bargaining" at the forefront of Progressive reform IWW often ran strikes with each ethnic group receiving representation on strike communities 1912 - Lawrence, MA Strike - IWW forged the strikers into a united group. Survived militia and police attacks and won the strike on the union's terms 1907 - New Orleans dockworkers strike - black and white workers joined to resist pay cuts and attacks on their unions 1914 - United Mine Workers against Rockefeller-owned Colorado Fuel and Iron Company Strike - union recognition, wage increase, 8-hour day limit, right to live and ship in places not owned by company Owners - evicted strikers from houses, surrounded colony erected by strikers, attacked tent city in April 1914 killing c. 30 people ---- "Ludlow Massacre" Mass strikes by immigrant workers placed workers' demand to bargain collectively with employers at the front of Progressive reform. The strikes showed that ethnic divisions might impede labor solidarity, but that ethnic cohesiveness could be a basis of unity, if strikes were organized democratically. The IWW was often called to run these strikes, which started spontaneously, and it insisted that each ethnic group have representation on strike committees. Such was the situation in 1912 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, after men, women, and child workers there went on strike against pay cuts. The IWW forged the strikers into a united group, survived militia and police attacks, and won the strike on the unions' terms. Another famous strike was the 1907 New Orleans dockworkers strike, in which black and white workers made an uncommon cross-racial alliance to resist pay cuts and attacks on their unions. Perhaps the most famous strike was a failure, the strike by the United Mine Workers against the Rockefeller-owned Colorado Fuel and Iron Company for union recognition, wage increases, an eight-hour day, and the right to live and shop in places not owned by the company. The owners responded to the strike by evicting strikers from their houses, and after armed militias surrounded a tent colony erected by the strikers, they attacked the tent city in April 1914, killing up to thirty men, women, and children in what became known as the Ludlow Massacre. Union struggles put free speech at the center of Progressive reform. Even while courts rejected union's claims to be exercising First Amendment rights, labor struggles created the modern demands of civil liberties so critical in the twentieth century. In many areas, especially "company towns" dominated by an employer, workers were not free to speak out without being fired, or worse. The IWW in particular waged a series of "free speech" fights as a means for organizing unions in the West. When IWW members were arrested and jailed for speaking in public, the union would send hundreds and thousands more members to speak, forcing local governments to arrest them all. Eventually, local officials would become overwhelmed and would allow IWW members to speak.

state and local reforms

Most Progressive reforms were enacted at the state and local levels Attempted to reduce the power of political bosses, assert public control over "natural monopolies" like gas and water works, and improve public transportation Raised property taxes to spend more on schools, parks, and other public facilities Urban progressives at the city level often took reform campaigns to the state level Administration of Robet M. La Follette - Wisconsin - "a laboratory of Democracy" became governor in 1900 Convinced that an alliance of railroad and lumber companies controlled state politics Passed a series of measures known as the "Wisconsin Idea" (nominations for candidates for elections through primaries rather than party bosses, taxation on corporate wealth, state regulation of railroads and public utilities)

nationalization

Nationalization Rise of the national state - most significant development of the early 20th century Nationalization was occurring throughout the country Corporations dominated the economy Organizations (e.g., American Medical Association) began to raise incomes and respect of professions Sports developed national leagues Progressives believed that only an energetic national government could establish the social conditions of freedom. The most significant political development of early-twentieth-century America was the rise of the national state. Nationalization was occurring everywhere: national corporations dominated the economy; national organizations like the American Medical Association began to raise the incomes and respect of professions. Even sports developed national leagues in this period. Progressives believed that only an energetic national government could establish the social conditions of freedom. Poverty, economic insecurity, and an absence of industrial democracy were national problems that could only be solved nationally. Herbert Croly, editor of the New Republic, argued that the democratic national state was an alternative to the forces that controlled Americans' lives, whether the narrow interests that manipulated politics or corporations. Croly suggested that "Jeffersonian ends" of democratic self-determination and individual freedom could be secured only through the "Hamiltonian means" of government intervention in the economy. Theodore Roosevelt was the first of the Progressive-era presidents to address this question. As vice president, Roosevelt became the youngest president ever to hold office after an anarchist assassinated William McKinley in 1901. He was an impetuous and energetic man who celebrated the "strenuous life" of manly adventure and daring, and he became the model for the twentieth-century president, actively and continuously involved in domestic and foreign policy and setting the political agenda. Roosevelt advanced a program he called the "Square Deal," which addressed problems of economic consolidation by distinguishing between "good" and "bad" corporations. Soon after taking office, Roosevelt shocked the business world by prosecuting the Northern Securities Company, a "holding" company created by financier J.P. Morgan to run three western railroads that monopolized rail transport between the Great Lakes and the Pacific. In 1904, the Supreme Court handed the antitrust movement a significant victory by ordering Northern Securities dissolved. Poverty, economic security, and an absence of industrial democracy were national problems that could only be solved nationally Herbert Croly (editor of the New Republic) - the democratic national states was an alternative to the forces that controlled American's lives - called for the "Jeffersonian ends" of democratic self-determination and individual freedom could be secured only through the "Hamiltonian means" of government intervention in the economy

the election of 1912

New Freedom and New Nationalism New Freedom (Wilson) - involved strengthening antitrust, protecting workers rights to organize unions, and encouraging small business (hope - create conditions of real economic competition without increasing government regulation) New Nationalism (Roosevelt) - Wilson's plan was outdated, as it ignored inevitable economic concentration Accepted big business and the need for a strong government regulation to check its abuses Proposed heavy personal and corporate taxes and federal regulations of industries Platform adopted many other Progressive reforms (woman's suffrage, 8-hour working day, living wages, national system of social insurance, unemployment and old age) Influenced by Louis D. Brandeis, Wilson argued that government had to be independent of big business and restore market competition without creating "big" government. His program, the New Freedom, involved strengthening antitrust, protecting workers rights to organize unions, and encouraging small business. Wilson thus hoped to create the conditions for real economic competition without increasing government regulation of the economy. To Roosevelt and his supporters, Wilson's program was outdated, as it focused on small business but ignored inevitable economic concentration and the interests of professionals, consumers, and labor. Roosevelt's program, the New Nationalism, accepted bigness and the need for strong government regulation to check its abuses. Roosevelt proposed heavy personal and corporate taxes and federal regulation of industries such as rail, mining, and oil. His Progressive Party adopted a platform with many other Progressive reforms, such as woman's suffrage, an eight-hour day and living wage for workers, and a national system of social insurance covering medical care, unemployment, and old age. This program contained much of the agenda that came to define liberalism in the twentieth century.

effective freedom

Progressivism was a worldwide movement Cities around the world experienced problems caused by industrialization and massive growth 1850 - only London and Paris had a population of more than a million 1900 - 12 cities in Europe and the US with populations over a million International exchange of ideas Britain, France, and Germany created old age pensions, minimum wage laws, unemployment insurance, and regulated workplace safety American reformers started to advocate for similar "social legislation" Basic changes in the functions of political authority of political authority To check the power of corporations, protect consumers, civilize market relations, or guarantee industrial freedom in the workplace Influenced by Gilded Age and European reforms, Progressives sought to renew notions of an activist, socially conscious government Progressivism was a worldwide movement. In the early twentieth century, cities around the world experienced similar problems caused by industrialization and massive growth. In 1850, only two cities—London and Paris—had a population of more than 1 million; by 1900, there were twelve in Europe and the United States (New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia). Reformers around the world exchanged ideas and proposed new social policies. As Britain, France, and Germany created old age pensions, minimum wage laws, unemployment insurance, and regulated workplace safety, American reformers started to advocate such "social legislation." Progressives thought modern society required basic changes in the functions of political authority, whether to check the power of corporations, protect consumers, civilize market relations, or guarantee industrial freedom in the workplace. Influenced by Gilded Age and European reforms, Progressives sought to renew notions of an activist, socially conscious government. They rejected old assumptions that powerful government threatened liberty. They saw freedom as a positive, not a negative, concept, in which freedom represented the power of the government to intervene in public and private life to improve society. In America, with a decentralized, federal system of government, most Progressive reforms were enacted at the state and local levels. Progressives attempted to reduce the power of political bosses, assert public control over "natural monopolies" like gas and water works, and improve public transportation. They raised property taxes to spend more on schools, parks, and other public facilities. And because state legislatures defined the powers of city governments, urban Progressives often took reform campaigns to the state level. The most influential state-level Progressive administration was that of Robert M. La Follette, who made Wisconsin a "laboratory for democracy." After serving as a Republican congressman, La Follette became convinced that an alliance of railroad and lumber companies controlled state politics. When elected governor in 1900, he passed a series of measures that came to be known as the "Wisconsin Idea": nominations of candidates for elections through primary elections rather than party bosses, taxation on corporate wealth, and state regulation of railroads and public utilities.

the socialist presence

Socialism reached is greatest influence in the Progressive era Socialist Party - founded in 1901uniting radicals such as Populists and followers of Edward Bellamy with parts of the labor movement Called for immediate reforms like free college Laws to improve working conditions Democratic control through public ownership of railroads and factories 1912 - 150K due paying members - flourished among immigrant communities (Jews in Lower East Side, Germans in Milwaukee, farmers in Populist states, mining regions of Idaho and Montana) Economic freedom was also the cry of American socialism, which reached its greatest influence in the Progressive era. The Socialist Party, founded in 1901, united late nineteenth-century radicals such as Populists and followers of Edward Bellamy with parts of the labor movement. The party called for immediate reforms like free college, laws to improve working conditions, and it ultimately proposed democratic control over the economy through public ownership of railroads and factories. By 1912, the Socialist Party had 150,000 dues-paying members, published hundreds of newspapers, had significant support in the American Federation of Labor, and elected dozens of local officials. Socialism flourished in immigrant communities, such as among Jews in the Lower East Side in New York City and Germans in Milwaukee, and also gained support among farmers in old Populists states like Oklahoma and mining regions in Idaho and Montana. Most important in spreading socialist ideas and linking socialism to American ideals of equality, self-government, and freedom was Eugene V. Debs, the former union leader jailed during the Pullman Strike of 1894. For two decades, Debs toured the nation, preaching that "political equality and economic freedom" could be won only by socialism's democratic control of the economy. Debs united the disparate and often dueling factions of the party. As socialism gained in strength in Europe, particularly in Germany, France, and Scandinavia, Debs led socialism forward in America, too. In 1912, he received 900,000 votes for president, nearly 6 percent of the total, and the socialist newspaper, Appeal To Reason, had the largest weekly circulation in the nation.

native american progressivism

Society of American Indians founded in 1911 - typical reform organization United Indian intellectuals around a discussion of Native Americans' problems and sought to arouse public awareness Brought together Indians from many different backgrounds creating a pan-Indian public space from from white influence Many shared basic goals of federal Indian policy Transforming communal lands on the reservations into family farms Carlos Montezuma (founder) was an avowed critic who condemned government paternalism and demanded the abolition of the Bureau of Indian Affairs calling for self-determination and the granting of full citizenship for Indians

the new feminism

Term "feminism" became popular in the Progressive era Heterodoxy - woman's club in Greenwich Village, New York Organized a new radical "bohemia" (a social circle of artists, writers, and others who reject conventional rules and practices) Definition of feminism merged calls for the vote, greater economic opportunity with open discussions of sexuality Lyrical Left - Greenwich Village and equivalent neighborhoods in Chicago, San Francisco, and other cities - discussion clubs, experimental theaters, and magazines which anticipated the emancipation of the human spirit from 19th cent. Prejudices Isadora Duncan's new expressive dance New York's Armory Show (1913) - cubist paintings by Pablo Picasso "Feminism" first became a widely used word in the Progressive era. In 1914, a mass meeting in New York that debated the question, "What Is Feminism?" was organized by Heterodoxy, a women's club in Greenwich Village. The club was part of a new radical "bohemia" (a social circle of artists, writers, and others who reject conventional rules and practices), and its definition of feminism merged calls for the vote and greater economic opportunity with open discussions of sexuality. Before World War I, in Greenwich Village and equivalent neighborhoods in Chicago, San Francisco, and other cities, a "lyrical left" took shape that included discussion clubs, experimental theaters, and magazines, and which anticipated the emancipation of the human spirit from nineteenth-century prejudices. Isadora Duncan's new expressive dance was one symbol of the era, as was New York's Armory Show in 1913, showing cubist paintings by European artists like Pablo Picasso in America for the first time. Freedom was central to the lyrical left's vision of society, but their individualist notion of freedom was quite different from other Progressives' interest in order and efficiency. Yet, sexual freedom came alive in this period. Sigmund Freud lectured in America in 1909 and found that Americans were familiar with his theories of infantile sexuality, repression, and the irrational. Free sexual expression and reproductive choice became critical elements of women's liberation for many women. New sexual attitudes spread beyond bohemia to many young, unmarried, and independent women, and the new tolerance for sexual freedom drew gay people to Greenwich Village for the first time.

an urban age and a consumer society: immigrants to america

The Immigrant Quest for Freedom Belief - America was the land of freedom - equality before the law, worshipped freely, economic opportunity, and emancipation from former countries social hierarchies Some desired to settle permanently (e.g., Jews fleeing religious persecution in Russia) Others planned to return home and buy land (e.g., Irish and Mexican "birds of passage")

wilson's first term

The Republican party divide (between Roosevelt and Taft) gave Wilson a resounding victory Regularly dealt with Congress regarding legislation (delivering messages personally) and was the first president to hold press conferences Because the Democrats controlled Congress - Wilson pushed to implement his particular Progressive vision Underwood Tariff - reduced duties on imports but made up for them with a graduated income tax on the wealthy Clayton Act of 1914 - exempted unions from antitrust laws and barred courts from issuing injunctions that limited worker's right to strike Other laws outlawed child labor, limited work in railroads to 8 hours per day, and gave credit to farmers who their crops in government warehouses The split in the Republican Party gave Wilson a resounding victory, although Roosevelt came in second, embarrassing Taft. Wilson became a strong president. He regularly dealt with Congress regarding legislation, and he was the first president to hold regular press conferences. He was the first president to deliver messages personally to Congress. With Democrats controlling Congress, Wilson pushed to implement his particular Progressive vision. He passed the Underwood Tariff, which reduced duties on imports but made up for them with a graduated income tax on the wealthy. The Clayton Act of 1914 exempted unions from antitrust laws and barred courts from issuing injunctions that limited workers' right to strike. Other laws outlawed child labor, limiting work in railroads to eight hours per day, and gave credit to farmers who stored their crops in government warehouses. Some of Wilson's policies seemed more in line with Roosevelt's New Nationalism than his own New Freedom agenda of 1912, and he abandoned antitrust for more government economic regulation. Wilson pushed Congress to create the Federal Reserve System in 1913, which gave government-regulated banks the ability to issue currency, help failing banks, and influence interest rates. In 1914, Congress, at Wilson's urging, also created the Federal Trade Commission, tasked with investigating and prosecuting "unfair" business activity such as price-fixing and monopoly. By 1916, Progressive-era efforts had vastly increased the powers of the national state.The Expanding Role of Government Many of Wilson's policies seemed more in line with Roosevelt's New Nationalism than his own New Freedom agenda of 1912 Abandoned antitrust for more government economic regulation 1913 - Pushed Congress to created the Federal Reserve System (right to issue currency, help failing banks, and influence interest rates) 1914 - Creation of the Federal Trade Commission (tasked with investigating and prosecuting "unfair" business activity such as price-fixing and monopoly) 1916 - Progressive era efforts had vastly increased the powers of the national state

maternalist reform

The domestic role of women actually inspired the suffrage movement Many states enacted pensions for mothers to enable them to care for children Based on assumption that government should encourage women's ability to bear and raise children by allowing them to be economically independent Some laws recognized that women who worked outside of the home were a dependent group (like children) that needed state protection in ways that male workers did not Muller v. Oregon (1908) - US Supreme Court accepted the arguments of Louis D. Brandeis that long hours of labor were dangerous for women, whose child-bearing abilities required government protection (first major breach in the Liberty of Contract) The celebration of women's domestic role actually inspired the suffrage movement. Many Progressive proposals emerged from the idea that the state should protect women and children, and female reformers formed a movement for improving the lives of poor mothers and children. Many states enacted pensions for mothers to enable them to care for children. Such "maternalist" reforms were based on the assumption that government should encourage women's ability to bear and raise children and allow them to be economically independent. Other Progressive laws recognized that women worked outside the home, but defined them as a dependent group (like children) that needed state protection in ways male workers were not. In the landmark case, Muller v. Oregon (1908), the U.S. Supreme Court accepted the arguments of Louis D. Brandeis that long hours of labor were dangerous for women, whose child-bearing abilities required government protection. This was the first major breach of "liberty of contract" doctrine, just three years after the Lochner decision. But the costs of Muller were high, as while even more states passed protective laws for women workers, these laws both benefited women and tied them to their family roles, and kept reinforced gender discrimination and exclusion in labor markets. Though the use of government to regulate working conditions raised questions about liberty of contract, maternalist policies built gender inequality into the early foundations of the welfare state More states passed protective laws for women workers While beneficial for women - it tied them to their family roles, and kept reinforcing gender discrimination and exclusion in labor markets Maternalist policies built gender inequality into the early foundations of the welfare state

How did the labor and women's movements challenge the nineteenth-century meanings of American freedom?

The purpose of the focus questions is to help students find larger themes and structures to bring the historical evidence, events, and examples together for a connected thematic purpose. As we go through each portion of this lecture, you may want to keep in mind how the information relates to this larger thematic question. Here are some suggestions: write the focus question in the left or right margin on your notes and as we go through, either mark areas of your notes for you to come back to later and think about the connection OR as you review your notes later (to fill in anything else you remember from the lecture or your thoughts during the lecture or additional information from the readings), write small phrases from the lecture and readings that connect that information to each focus question AND/OR are examples that work together to answer the focus question.

In what ways did progressivism include both democratic and antidemocratic impulses?

The purpose of the focus questions is to help students find larger themes and structures to bring the historical evidence, events, and examples together for a connected thematic purpose. As we go through each portion of this lecture, you may want to keep in mind how the information relates to this larger thematic question. Here are some suggestions: write the focus question in the left or right margin on your notes and as we go through, either mark areas of your notes for you to come back to later and think about the connection OR as you review your notes later (to fill in anything else you remember from the lecture or your thoughts during the lecture or additional information from the readings), write small phrases from the lecture and readings that connect that information to each focus question AND/OR are examples that work together to answer the focus question.

the birth-control movement

The right to "control one's body" meant the ability to refuse sexual advances (including from a spouse) , but also involvement in an active sexual life without necessarily bearing children Emma Goldman - an anarchist, regularly wrote and lectured about the right to birth control and various contraceptive devices Margaret Sanger - placed birth control at the center of the new feminism 1914 = Faced censorship from the US Post Office for writing about how to use birth control, responded by openly advertising the devices in her journal - The Woman Rebel 1916 - Opened a clinic in a working-class area of Brooklyn and started giving contraceptive devices to poor Jewish and Italian women - she was jailed for a month Labor radicals and cultural modernists (in addition to feminists) promoted Sanger and birth control Women's growing presence in the labor market strengthened demands for birth control, giving political expression to changes in sexual behavior. In the nineteenth century, the right to "control one's body" meant the ability to refuse sexual advances, including those of a husband, but now it meant enjoying an active sexual life without necessarily bearing children. Emma Goldman, an anarchist, regularly wrote and lectured about the right to birth control and various contraceptive devices, and was arrested often. Margaret Sanger placed birth control at the center of the new feminism. By 1914, after facing censorship from the U.S. Post Office for writing about how to use birth control, she openly advertised birth-control devices in her journal, The Woman Rebel. She argued no woman could be free who did not control her own body and decisions about whether to become a mother. In 1916, when Sanger opened a clinic in a working-class area of Brooklyn and started giving contraceptive devices to poor Jewish and Italian women, she was jailed for a month. Labor radicals and cultural modernists, not just feminists, promoted Sanger and birth control. Even Native Americans shared the Progressive impulse. The Society of American Indians, founded in 1911, was a typical reform organization. It united Indian intellectuals around discussion of Native Americans' problems and sought to arouse public awareness. It brought together Indians from many different backgrounds and created a pan-Indian public space free from white influence. Many in the Society shared the basic goals of federal Indian policy, including transforming communal lands on the reservations into family farms. But the group's founder, Carlos Montezuma, became an avowed critic who condemned government paternalism and demanded the abolition of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He called for self-determination and for Indians to be granted full citizenship.

progressive era

Urbanization and labor conflict raised the issue of the government's responsibility to intervene in the economy and mitigate social inequalities. "Progressive" was a term describing a loosely defined movement to bring about significant change in American society and politics and included businessmen who recognized the legitimacy of unions, women reformers who wanted protections for women and children, and social scientists who believed research could solve social problems. Widespread economic and political consolidation

taft in office (1909-1913)

W.H. Taft ran as Roosevelt's successor (federal judge from Ohio and former governor of the Philippines - would later serve as a Supreme Court Justice from 1921-1930) Defeated Bryan's third unsuccessful run for the presidency Progressive - he believe that the government should go beyond laissez-faire principles of the 19th century Pursued anti-trust more aggressively than Roosevelt Convinced Supreme Court to declare Rockefeller's Standard Oil company to be in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act (broken up into separate companies) Rule of reason - antitrust policy allowing the government to distinguish between "good" and "bad" companies that stifled competition Supported the 16th amendment - which allowed Congress to establish a graduated national income tax - giving the national government a more reliable and flexible revenue source than the tariff Roosevelt's successor to run for president in 1908 was William Howard Taft, a federal judge from Ohio and former governor of the Philippines. Taft defeated William Jennings Bryan in his third unsuccessful run for the presidency. Taft was Progressive in that he believed government should go beyond laissez-faire principles of the nineteenth century, and he pursued antitrust more aggressively than had Roosevelt. In 1911, he convinced the Supreme Court to declare John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil Company in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act and ordered its breakup into separate companies. This case, along with a similar prosecution of the American Tobacco corporation, birthed a "rule of reason" in antitrust policy, allowing the government to distinguish between "good" companies and the "bad" companies that stifled competition. Taft also supported the Sixteenth Amendment, which allowed Congress to establish a graduated national income tax, thus giving the national government a more reliable and flexible revenue source than the tariff. But Taft, despite his Progressive policies, tended to ally with the more conservative wing of the Republican Party, and a dispute in 1910 with reform-minded officials within his administration alienated Progressives. In 1912, when Roosevelt failed in challenging Taft for the Republican nomination, he launched a new and independent Progressive Party.

John Addams and Hull House

Women were central to Progressive politics - challenging barriers to political participation Often moved to act by the conditions faced by poor immigrant communities and women and child workers Jane Addams (never married or had a family) Founded Hull House in Chicago 1889 - "settlement house" dedicated to improving the lives of the immigrant poor Workers moved into poor neighborhoods, built and ran schools, employment bureaus, health clinics, and helped women victims of domestic abuse By 1910 - 400 settlement houses had been founded through the US But Progressivism also contained a more democratic vision of an activist government, perhaps best expressed by women reformers. Still unable to vote and hold office in most states, women were central to Progressive politics. They challenged barriers to political participation and elaborated a democratic, grassroots vision of government. They were moved to act most often by the conditions faced by poor immigrant communities and women and child workers. The era's most prominent female reformer was Jane Addams. Addams never married and resisted expectations to become tied to a family as a mother and wife, and instead in 1889 founded Hull House in Chicago, a "settlement house" dedicated to improving the lives of the immigrant poor. Settlement house workers moved into poor neighborhoods, built and ran schools, employment bureaus, and health clinics, and helped women victims of domestic abuse. By 1910, more than 400 settlement houses had been established in cities around the nation. Addams typified the era's "new woman," as more and more women went to college and entered professions such as social services, nursing, and education. Middle-class women's efforts to help the poor, working women, and children helped expand government's role in society. Through settlement and other social work, these women learned that legislation was necessary for dealing with housing, income, and health inequalities. Hull House led a number of campaigns for legislation in Illinois, around shorter working hours, workplace safety, and union organizing rights, which inspired others to do likewise. In the South, however, race affected reform, as ending child labor was justified as necessary for giving white children the education they would need as members of the South's ruling race. The settlement houses have been called "spearheads of reform," as they produced prominent Progressive leaders, such as Julia Lathrop, the first women to head a federal agency (the Children's Bureau, founded in 1912 to investigate conditions of mothers and children and advocate for them), and Florence Kelley, who organized the National Consumers League to use purchasing power as a way to force manufacturers to improve working conditions.

uprising of the 20,000

general walkout of garment workers demanding better safety in clothing factories led to international ladies' garment worker union (triangle not included)

triangle shirtwaist company in the greenwich village (NYC)

march 25, 1911 Jewish and Italian women earning as little as $3/week working at sewing machines Could not escape top three floors due to the fire, because the owners had locked the doors to stop theft and bathroom breaks, and the fire ladders could only reach the 6th floor 46 women jumped to their deaths while 100 more died inside the fire Fire drew attention to social divisions in American during the Progressive Era

progressive democracy

Restore democracy by returning political power to citizens and civic harmony to a divided America Belief that political reforms (as opposed to class conflict and corporate power) would help create a unified people devoted to greater democracy and social reconciliation Increasing governmental power made it necessary to determine who should be able to participate in politics Progressives wanted to restore democracy by returning political power to citizens and civic harmony to a divided America. Afraid of violent class conflict and corporate power, they thought political reforms would help create a unified "people" devoted to greater democracy and social reconciliation. But increasing government power made it more necessary to determine who should be able to participate in politics. Progressive political reforms were often contradictory. The electorate was expanded and contracted, empowered and removed from influencing government. Democracy was expanded by the Seventeenth Amendment, which made U.S. senators elected by popular vote rather than by state legislatures, by adoption of popular election of judges, and by primary elections among party members to select candidates. Several states adopted the initiative (voters propose legislation), the referendum (voters directly vote on a proposal), and recall (voters remove officials). The era ended with suffrage for women, the largest democratic expansion in American history. But some Progressive reforms also restricted democracy, notably the disenfranchisement of blacks in the South. Many localities replaced elected mayors with appointed, nonpartisan commissions or city managers, removing local government from the control of political machines, but also popular control. New literacy tests and residency and registration requirements limited the right to vote among the poor and migrants. Progressive electoral reforms marked a retreat from the notion that voting was an inherent right of American citizenship. Most white Progressives were also disinterested in the plight of African-Americans. Most Progressives were leery of the real world of politics, in which people pursued narrow class, ethnic, or regional interests. Many Progressives thus turned to college professors and other professional "experts," believing government could ensure intelligent rule over society through a democracy run by impartial experts unaccountable to citizens. This was part of Progressives' impulse toward order, efficiency, and centralized management as a means of ensuring social justice. In Drift and Mastery (1914), Walter Lippman argued the nation could either continue to "drift," operating according to a dated belief in individual autonomy, or embrace "mastery," using scientific inquiry to address modern social problems. For Lippman and others, political freedom rested not in direct political participation but in the formation of public policy by the most qualified Political reforms were often contradictory with the electorate being expanded and then contracted, empowered and then removed from influence Expansion of Democracy in the 17th Amendment Made US Senators elected by popular vote rather than by state legislators Adoption of popular election of judges Primary elections among party members to select candidates Adoption of the initiative (voters propose legislation), the referendum (voters directly vote on a proposal), and recall (voters remove officials) Era ended with suffrage form women - the largest democratic expansion in American history Restrictions - continued black disenfranchisement in the South, elected mayors replaced by city managers (loss of popular control), new literacy tests, residency and registration requirements limiting the voting accessibility/rights of the poor and migrants