Progressive Era Municipal Reforms

The Progressive Era (1900-1920) was a response to the Gilded Age's corruption, driven by big corporations' influence on government. Reformers aimed to positively shape society through government action, focusing on municipal, political, and social reforms. Key initiatives included the commission and city manager plans to reduce political party influence and City bosses' corruption. Public ownership of utilities and services expanded, improving living conditions and offering lower rates. Social services, particularly for women and the lower class, were enhanced, with significant contributions from reformers like Jane Adams.

What was the main focus of the Progressive Era reforms?

• Development of new technologies

• Reforms in women's suffrage, state, social, political, and municipal areas

• Colonization of new territories

• Expansion of military power

How did city bosses maintain their power before the Progressive Era?

• By building public parks

• By bribing voters with money and favors

• By offering free healthcare

• By providing free education

What was the purpose of the commission plan?

• To increase the power of political parties

• To privatize public utilities

• To expand the influence of city bosses

• To replace mayors and councils with non-partisan commissions

Which city was the first to adopt the commission plan?

• New York, New York

• Los Angeles, California

• Galveston, Texas

• Chicago, Illinois

What was the main goal of the city manager plan?

• To reduce taxes for the wealthy

• To promote political party agendas

• To hire outside experts to manage city departments

• To increase voter participation

What was the impact of the city manager plan on city governance?

• Increased corruption

• Strengthened political party influence

• Decreased public services

• Reduced reliance on voter-elected city bosses

Which act required new tenement homes to be properly ventilated and allow light?

• The Housing Act of 1920

• The Tenement Act of 1901

• The Urban Development Act

• The City Planning Act

Who was a notable social reformer that founded a tenement house for immigrants?

• Theodore Roosevelt

• Susan B. Anthony

• Jane Adams

• Seth Low

What was one of the key focuses of municipal reforms during the Progressive Era?

• Increasing taxes on the wealthy

• Improving public utilities and services

• Expanding military presence

• Promoting international trade

What was a significant change in public ownership during the Progressive Era?

• Privatization of all public services

• Complete government control of the media

• Expansion of public ownership of services like electricity, water, and gas

• Nationalization of the banking sector