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Laissez Faire Economics
This economic system prohibited the government from interfering with business. As a result, some businesses like Standard Oil grew into monopolies. Because of this, workers had no choice but to accept low wages, poor conditions and long hours. However, in the years to come, unions would form and social activism would increase. The Progressive movement would especially support this cause because it would vastly improve society. -
"How the Other Half Lives" is published
This was a series of photographs taken by Jacob Riis that exposed poverty in the tenement houses of New York as well as the harsh conditions of child labor. After seeing the photographs, the government was moved to change these conditions which ultimately led to a social change. This event relates to Progressivism because it aimed to make society better. In this case, it was to improve living conditions and put an end to child labor. -
Urbanization and National Parks
Urbanization impacted many aspects of life in America but it majorly impacted natural resources. As urbanization and industrialization increased, natural resources began to be used at an increasing rate. In later years, President Theodore Roosevelt saw this problem and took action against it by establishing multiple national parks that would protect these resources. Progressives supported this because it would positively impact society. -
The Sierra Club
John Muir founded the Sierra Club as a way to protect the environment. This relates to Progressive ideals because it supports conservation and it lead to new national parks being established. -
The Pullman Strike
Workers of the Pullman factory went on strike and demanded better wages, conditions and hours. This strike led to social activisim and more unions formed. Many progressives took part in this activism because they supported social reform. In later years, the Square Deal would be established which gave workers better pay by limiting big business. -
The Coal Strike
When workers and mine owners could not settle a dispute, President Theodore Roosevelt intervened. Because of this, government became more involved with business. Later, the Department of Commerce and Labor was created which regulated Big Business. This fit Progressive ideals because it accomplished reform in corrupt businesses and gave workers better conditions which was a big social victory. -
"The Jungle" is published
The Progressive movement called for reform in many things. In this case, it called for reform in the food industry. After Upton Sinclair published "The Jungle", a book that exposed the unsanitary working conditions of food processing factories, many people were shocked at the things they learned were in their food. As a result, the government inspected these claims and later enforced the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906. -
The Square Deal
The Square Deal was created by President Theodore Roosevelt that aimed to conserve natural resources, destroy big business and protect consumers. This led to the establishment of national parks and the creation of the FDA as well as the the Sherman Antitrust Act. This act broke up trusts that hurt workers. Progressives supported it because it was a step towards political reform. -
Prohibition of Alcohol
There was not one specific event that led to the prohibition of alcohol, but a combination of social problems. For example, crime and abuse in marriages were commonly blamed on alcohol. This led to social activism and people began protesting that alcohol should be banned. Many progressives supported this because it would supposedly make society safer. As a result, the 18th amendment was created which prohibited the sale of alcohol. -
Women's Suffrage
The Progressive movement supported women's rights. In the spirit of social reform, women began protesting for voting rights.This led to the creation of the 19th amendment which was enforced in 1920 and gave women the right to vote. This grew the Progressive movement because it meant that Progressive women could express their opinions in future political issues.