The emergence of Progressivism in the 1890-1912 Flashcards
Name the two meaning of Progressivism
1) Concerned with the regulation of big business, political reform and social reform
2) Interventionism - the belief that direct intervention at state and federal level could bring about improvements to society
Why did Progressivism emerge?
• Economic problems
(Unemployment)
Recession in 1893, which lead to high unemployment in industrial cities. The figure remained at 12% for the rest of the 1890s.
Why did Progressivism emerge?
• Economic problems
(Banks)
Many banks collapsed during the recession, which meant that many people lost their savings.
Why did Progressivism emerge?
• Economic problems
(Agriculture)
Agriculture continued to decline due to falling prices. This meant that the small farmers of the North-east could not compete with the large-scale farming of the West.
Why did Progressivism emerge?
• Social problems
(Living conditions)
Many cities were overcrowding with inadequate sewage disposal and a lack of clean water.
Why did Progressivism emerge?
• Social problems
(Working conditions)
No restriction on working hours and there was no welfare system in the USA, such as no sick pay or compensation for accidents.
Why did Progressivism emerge?
• The need for political reform
The Democrats were deeply conservative, and the Republican became the party of big business and banks
Why did Progressivism emerge?
• The need to regulate big business
Trusts became so powerful that they threatened to establish monopolies in particular industries, which meant that they could fix prices without fear of competition.
Why did Progressivism emerge?
• Fear of revolution
- Progressivism is often seen as a middle-class movement.
- Leaders sought to create a more efficient and stable society
- Trade unions grew in strength and wore workers were supporting militant actions such as strikes
Political aims of Progressivism
• Election and political parties
Political parties seemed to be dominated by a few wealthy businessmen who controlled candidate nomination at local, state and presidential level. Thus, demanding for the open primary election
Economic aims of Progressivism
• Trade unions and working condition
Wanted legislation to ensure employers recognised trade unions regulated hours of work and provided compensation for injury at work and introducing insurance schemes for unemployment.
Social aims of Progressivism
• Welfare benefits
Wanted the government to provide a safety net to help those who were too poor to help themselves through state-funded welfare benefits.
Political aims of the Progressive Movement
• Women suffrage
Demanded changes to the Constitution including allowing women to vote and ensuring that senators were more accountable by making them directly elected rather than being chosen by state legislatures.
Social aims of the Progressive movement in 1890
• African Americans
Reforms to help African Americans who, having moved to the North to escape the poverty of the South, were often treated as second-class citizens and experienced poor living standards.
