7.2 The Progressives

Origins and Goals of Progressivism

Progressivism emerged as a response to problems created by industrialization, urbanization, and immigration in the late 1800s/early 1900s. Reformers wanted to curb the power of trusts and monopolies, clean up corrupt political machines, and address poverty, unsafe working conditions, and public health. Many used government (local, state, federal) as a tool to fix society's ills, rejecting laissez-faire ideas.

Muckrakers and Social Reform

Muckrakers like Upton Sinclair (*The Jungle*) and Ida Tarbell exposed corporate corruption and unsafe conditions, spurring reforms like the Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act. Social Gospel advocates and settlement house workers (Jane Addams's Hull House) pushed for aid to the urban poor. Progressives also championed prohibition, public health measures, and efforts to Americanize immigrants.

Political and Economic Reforms

Progressives pursued direct democracy tools (initiative, referendum, recall) and the 17th Amendment (direct election of senators). Presidents Theodore Roosevelt (Square Deal, trust-busting, conservation), Taft, and Wilson (New Freedom, Federal Reserve Act, Clayton Antitrust Act) expanded federal regulation. The women's suffrage movement succeeded with the 19th Amendment (1920), partly framed by progressive rhetoric about women's civic role.

Key terms

Muckrakers

Investigative journalists (e.g., Upton Sinclair, Ida Tarbell) who exposed corporate and political corruption to spur reform.

17th Amendment

1913 amendment establishing direct election of U.S. senators by popular vote.

Square Deal

Theodore Roosevelt's Progressive program focused on trust-busting, consumer protection, and conservation.

New Freedom

Woodrow Wilson's reform agenda featuring the Federal Reserve Act, Clayton Antitrust Act, and lower tariffs.

19th Amendment

1920 amendment granting women the right to vote, achieved through decades of suffrage activism.

Try an AP-style question

Muckrakers like Upton Sinclair exposed…

1. corruption and unsafe conditions
2. foreign spies in America
3. the success of big business
4. problems in rural farming only