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Presentation U.S. History Primary Source TimelineThe early 20th century was an era of business expansion and progressive reform in the United States. The progressives, as they called themselves, worked to make American society a better and safer place in which to live. They tried to make big business more responsible through regulations of various kinds. They worked to clean up
corrupt city governments, to improve working conditions in factories, and to better living conditions for those who lived in slum areas, a large number of whom were recent immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe. Many progressives were also concerned with the environment and conservation of resources. This generation of Americans also hoped to make the world a more democratic place. At home, this meant expanding the right to vote to women and a number of election reforms such as the recall, referendum, and direct election of Senators. Abroad, it meant trying to make the world safe for democracy. In 1917, the United States joined Great Britain and France--two democratic nations--in their
war against autocratic Germany and Austria-Hungary. Soon after the Great War, the majority of Americans turned away from concern about foreign affairs, adopting an attitude of live and let live. The 1920s, also known as the "roaring twenties" and as "the new era," were similar to the Progressive Era in that America continued its economic growth and prosperity. The incomes of working people increased along with those of middle class and wealthier Americans. The major growth industry was
automobile manufacturing. Americans fell in love with the automobile, which radically changed their way of life. On the other hand, the 1920s saw the decline of many reform activities that had been so widespread after 1900. Part of
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The Lesson in this Unit discusses the Progressive Era from the late 1890’s through the 1912 Presidential Election. The political cartoons provided allow students to analyze opinions and economic changes that took place. The Progressive Era began at the turn of the 1900s and lasted through World War I. This period represented a time of economic and social reform. The landscape of America was rapidly changing from an agrarian society to an urban one. This rapid shift of industrialization caused drastic changes in the economy. Large corporations and trusts quickly arose and amassed significant power and finally controlled much industry. An atmosphere of materialism and greed overwhelmed the market, often resulting in poor living conditions and long hours for working class people. The combination of poor housing, sanitation, healthcare, and exploitation of workers led to a call for immense reform. The Progressive leaders pushed for an agenda of reform for the broken political and economic system that perpetuated the disenfranchisement of the working people. The drastic rise in economic activity at this time was mainly due to industrialization and the practice of cheap labor led by the predominant big businesses. This explosive growth in business led to the emergence of large corporations and trusts that controlled their industries by taking over smaller companies and creating a monopoly in the market. One of the most notable examples of this was the U.S. Steel Corporation that was controlled by Andrew Carnegie. Between the years of 1887 and 1904, a total of nine steel companies were consolidated, and the corporation was able to practice ruthless tactics to monopolize the industry without consequences from the government. Some people during the Progressive Era called for major social reforms and for an expanded role of the government to regulate business practices. Previously, the government promoted a free market and held a laissez-faire attitude that meant the government would not become involved in regulating business practices. The old belief was that the market would adjust itself without the help of the government. The Progressive Era saw the corruption that stemmed from belief of a free market, and the progressives worked to enforce regulations of corrupt business practices in order to protect the interests of the public. The first US president to seriously become involved in domestic economic affairs was President Theodore Roosevelt, also commonly referred to as TR. He brought a new wave of reform under the banner of “The New Nationalism.” His years in office promoted the rights of organized labor to exert its power over employers and the creation of government agencies to regulate the market. His successor, President William Howard Taft was Roosevelt’s protégé, yet he was more conservative than Roosevelt. While his presidency began with several large “trust busting” cases, he eventually resorted to a more conservative agenda which angered Roosevelt. In the presidential election of 1912, Roosevelt decided to run under the “Bull-Moose Party” in direct conflict with Taft. Alhough TR did not win, he managed to split the Republican vote, which led to the Democrats winning the election and President Woodrow Wilson stepping into office. These years between Roosevelt and Wilson are now remembered as the Progressive Era, and the decisions made during this period still reflect in our economy today. TopicsEducation Government and civics Politics Big IdeasCause and Effect US History Essential QuestionsHow has social disagreement and collaboration been beneficial to American society? What role do multiple causations play in describing a historic event? What role does analysis have in historical construction? Concepts
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End of Unit AssessmentAs a final assignment, ask students to compare and contrast the different perspectives from the political cartoons used in the lesson plan. Ask students how the cartoons displayed main figures in the Progressive Era, such as the presidents, business leaders and the economy. #22 What were the effects of the progressive movement on American society?The Progressive Era started a reform tradition that has since been present in American society. Monopolies were broken up due to violation of federal law. Many labor unions, trade groups, and professional, civic, and religious associations were founded.
What were the negatives of the progressive movement?The Progressive era also had a much more negative side. It saw the spread of disfranchisement and segregation of African Americans in the South and even in the federal government.
What was the impact of the progressive movement?Many activists joined efforts to reform local government, public education, medicine, finance, insurance, industry, railroads, churches, and many other areas. Progressives transformed, professionalized, and made "scientific" the social sciences, especially history, economics, and political science.
Were progressive reforms successful?Progressive reformers successfully influenced the passage of much substantive legislation, including several amendments to the US Constitution.
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Overall, were the effects of progressivism more harmful or beneficial to american society?
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