Progressive Movement 1890–1920

Main points- Wanted to fix social problems - Improve government- Regulate corporations - Discrimination- Assimilation

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-ztBdclkYU

Progressive Movement• Why? As America reached the 20th century,

Americans were becoming increasing unhappy-Sweat shops -Slums/ living conditions-Child labor-Corruption-Diseases/ sanitation-Prejudice( in other words there was no progress)

Populist• Populist- A member or adherent of a

political party seeking to represent the interests of ordinary people

• Supported income tax• Shorter work day• Direct election of state senators • Secret voting

Socialist• Socialism- is a social and economic system

characterized by social ownership of the means of production and co-operative management of the economy, as well as a political theory and movement that aims at the establishment of such a system.

• Industrial age was responsible for the Gap between wealthy and poor

• Eliminate Private ownership• Big business was out of control• Workers were being taken advantage of• Wanted to reform government and business

Reforms• Make changes in (something, typically a social,

political, or economic institution or practice) in order to improve it.

• Main reforms of Government– End to patronage – Federal civil service –Government based on merit

Government• Women's suffrage–Women's right to vote –19th amendment was passed in 1920

• Government Corruption– Dishonest and illegal dealings –Government officials took bribes–Patronage- giving jobs to people who

supported them

Corporations• Working conditions in factories –Minimum wage, employers had to pay

workers• Monopolies –Total control over the supply of a

product or service in a certain market area.

--Government regulation of business

Social Problems• Gap between the poor and wealthy• Health Dangers Reformers were concerned about illnesses in larger,

crowded cities.Unsafe drinking waterContagious diseases such as Measles, Small pox,

Chicken pox, and Diphtheria• Discrimination• Assimilation

Prohibition

• Temperance movement- against the consumption alcohol.

• 18th amendment prohibiting the consumption and sale of alcohol