Progressive Period Progressive Period 1900-19171900-1917

Contradictions of the Industrial development

raised the standard of living for millions of Americans

but also brought about the rise of national labor unions and clashes between industry and labor

Social problems in rural and urban settings gave rise to third-party movements and the beginning of the Progressive Movement.

Progressive Movement

The Movement used the government to reform problems created by industrialization

Labor Problems

Corporate leaders engaged in immoral labor practices

Dangerous working conditionsChild laborLong hours, low wages, no job

security, no benefits

(Labor Problems)

Company towns grew

Conditions Demanding Reform

Monopolies stifled competition from small businesses, charged excessive prices, and exploited workers

Growth of the super-rich threatened political democracy

Corrupt politicians

Child Labor Reforms

Muckrakers wrote about the conditions

Between 1902 and 1908 a group of writers exposed the evils of business monopoly and government corruption

Described the abuses of child laborPushed for child labor legislation

Governmental Reforms

Wealthy men were able to bribe their way into the US Senate

The 17th Amendment to the Constitution called for the election of senators by popular vote.

Women’s Suffrage

This was the forerunner of the modern protest movement

It benefited from strong leadership (e.g., Susan B. Anthony)

Encouraged women to enter the labor force during World War I

Resulted in the 19th Amendment