THE PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT

T.R. AND HIS POSSE

Issues in the U.S.

• Inequality between:–Men & Women

• Wages, Voting

–Rich & Poor (Johnny Rock & General Public -not Public Enemy)• Poor working conditions• Unequal distribution of wealth

Why should they care?

• Progressives were not directly affected

–weren’t poor workers like the Populists were

• Most were middle to upper class who wanted reform in America

• What kind of reform???

Government Reform – End corruption at all levels

17th Amendment (1913)

– Right to elect Senators given to people (taken from State legislatures)

16th Amendment (1913)

- Income Tax implemented

Used to tax railroads at same level as other businesses (no more breaks)

– This didn’t work out so good

Bidness (Yea boy) Reform

• Break up monopolies & Trusts

– Teddy the “Trust Buster”

• Push for safer working conditions & better, safer products for consumers

Muckrakers

• Members of the press that investigated corruption in order to expose problems to the American people.

Social Reform – “You Kiddies”• Child Labor Laws

– Limit hours, poor conditions

• Health– $$$ to attack curable diseases

• Recreation– National Parks, Recreation Centers

• Education Reform- Number of High Schools Double (1900-

1920)

Social Reform – “Hey Ladies!!!”• Women’s Suffrage – Voting Rights

– 19th Amendment (1920)

• Working Conditions, hours– Muller vs. Oregon (1908)

• Supreme Court upheld law limiting workday for women to protect their health

***Court makes decision based on what is “best for society” not on legal principle

“Last Call …for Alcohol”

• Prohibition – 18th Amendment (1919)

–Women’s Christian Temperance Union