Progressive Era in Texas

Progressive Era

Texas

Directions:

• Read through the slides about the Progressive Movement

• Identify if the statement is TRUE or FALSE based on the information you read.

Moving towards progress....

In the late 1800’s, many people began to look to the government to prevent unfair business practices by large companies. 

The national political reform movement known as Progressivism grew as Americans recognized the need for improvements in business and society.

The Movement

The Progressive Movement worked to end corruption in business and in government. It also supported a number of social reforms aimed at improving the lives of Americans. The movement worked to end social and political problems in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Progressives worked on problems in the railroad industry, farming, and also on women’s suffrage.  

Multiple Choice

The Progressive Movement worked to end corruption in business and government as well as social and political problems in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

• True

• False

The market

The arrival of new industries in Texas boosted the economy and presented numerous problems for farmers to earn a living in Texas. The market price for cotton and other crops in Texas went down in the late 1800s because of economic depressions. At the same time, many farmers had to spend more money on land and farm equipment, which led them into debt.

Monopolies

High shipping rates by the railroad further increased their debts. Farmers relied on the railroads to ship their crops to markets, but many rail companies held a monopoly(exclusive control) on the rail service. This meant that each railroad company could charge whatever rates it wanted for shipping crops. 

Multiple Choice

Farmers demanded government regulation of railroad companies to end monopolies.

• True

• False

Populist Party

Upset with these new business practices farmers formed an organization called the Farmer’s Alliance. They sought reform on issues affecting farmers. They demanded government regulation of the railroads and the end of monopolies. The Farmer’s Alliance would eventually form the Populist Party.

Multiple Choice

The Populist Party and the Farmers Alliance were created to demand help from the government to protect farmers and the common worker from monopolies.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Farmers created the Farmers Alliance to befriend and create allies with the railroad companies

• True

• False

Women

The majority of Texas women continued to work as wives and mothers, taking care of their families and homes. Others, ventured into the working world to support themselves and their families. 

A number of Texas women found success in fields that were traditionally only open to men.

Taking a stand

However, women in Texas did not enjoy the same legal rights as men. Their rights to own property or conduct business were limited.

While women were working to secure the right to vote, they found ways to influence politics by promoting reforms to fix social problems.

Multiple Choice

Women had complete access to conduct businesses and own their own property.

• True

• False

Temperance

Women became leaders of the temperance movement. This movement aimed to reduce or halt the drinking of alcoholic beverages.

Many women who fought for temperance also became activists of other causes including the women's right to vote. Gaining the right for women to vote was the goal of the suffrage movement

Multiple Choice

Many women who fought for temperance also became activists of other causes including the women's right to vote.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

The Temperance Movement was formed by men who wanted to reduce or halt the drinking of alcohol.

• True

• False

WCTU

In the West Women began winning voting rights in the late 1800’s, this encouraged the movement.

The Woman’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) became the first WCTU chapter in the South to take the step to endorse women's suffrage in 1888. These efforts led the way for women gaining the right to vote in the U.S.

Multiple Choice

Women began winning voting rights in the late 1800’s

• True

• False

The 19th Amendment

The 19th Amendment which was ratified in 1920 gave women the right to vote in the United States.  

Multiple Choice

Women were granted the right to vote with the 15th Amendment.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Progressives worked on problems in the railroad industry, farming, and also on women’s suffrage

• True

• False