The Rise of Progressivism

The Rise of Progressivism

1890s-1920s

Historical Background

Industry in America was growing rapidly. Large numbers of immigrants were arriving daily to work in the new industries. Because of the fast growth in both immigration and industrialization, as well as urbanization (cities booming), problems began to arise.

Multiple Select

Think back to the Living in the Cities reading from last week. What were some of the problems of the cities? Check all that apply.

• crime

• poverty

• overcrowding

• raw sewage contaminating water supply

• not enough jobs

Look at this photo. What problems do you notice?

• Not even a real house

• shack is in bad condition and is leaning against building

• doesn't look like the people are related

• baby is growing up in poverty

Open Ended

What are some problems you see in the previous photo?

Open Ended

What are some problems you see in the previous photo?

The Government

From early in the US, the government had not been involved in the economy or buisness very much. Businesses were unregulated, or allowed to do as they pleased in order to make money. This was called laissez-faire economics. The US had a free market that allowed businesses to do what was needed to improve the economy.

Reform

Progressives wanted to reform the government and society. They believed the government was not involved enough and unable to control industry or correct the problems caused by industrialization.

Open Ended

What is the meaning of REFORM? Put the definition in your own words.

Who were Progressives?

• belonged to both major political parties

• urban and middle class

• educated

• politicians

• journalists and social workers

• teachers and members of the clergy

• 
  

Open Ended

Think about the professions of most Progressives. What did these professions have in common?

Progressive ideas

Many progressives believed the government was not capable of fixing the problems of society. They felt the government was outdated and needed to be fixed before it could fix society.

Science and Technology

Many progressives had a strong faith in science and technology. There had been many inventions created in the past 50 years that made life better. They saw science and technology as ways to help fix the problems of society and the cities.

Muckrakers

Many journalists saw an opportunity to expose the problems of society and government to the world. Just like Ida Tarbell, other journalists use their media platform to write books and publish articles, cartoons, and photos in newspapers showing the problems of society.

Jacob Riis

Have you heard the phrase a picture is worth a thousand words? Jacob Riis was a muckraker who put his photography skills to work exposing the difficult life of immigrants living in the cities. He published a book with many photographs exposing the terrible conditions of immigrants living in New York City. His book, How the Other Half Lives made a big impact on Progressives.

Upton Sinclair's The Jungle

in 1905 another muckraker, Upton Sinclair, published an expose about the terrible conditions of the meatpacking industry called The Jungle. His book told about the filth and dangerous conditions of the unregulated meat packing industry and how immigrant workers were treated.

Multiple Choice

How did Progressives feel about the government?

• they supported the government 100%

• they believed the government was not capable of fixing society's problems

• they thought the government could fix the problems, but just wouldn't

Multiple Choice

What did the Progressives believe could help fix society's problems?

• sending immigrants back home

• the government

• science and technology

• the strength of the US economy

Multiple Select

What did muckrakers use to get their message to the public?

• books

• photographs

• newspaper articles

• television shows

• political cartoons