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The Progressives were a group of individuals that disagreed with Social Darwinism and believed that social status is not evolutionary and can be altered. They believe that some individuals, through no fault of their own, need assistance in order to maximize their potential. Governments should provide that assistance when needed or necessary. Social Darwinist disagree. They believe that assistance should be provided by private citizens or organizations like churches and government should have no say in the lives of citizens. This is essentially the beginning of modern day political parties and politics. The level of government intervention in society is one of the determinations of whether one is a Republican or a Democrat. Around 1900, a group of journalists, writers, activists, and politicians identified social problems and offered ways those problems could be addressed. They were called Muckrakers and received their name from President Teddy Roosevelt who said they "raked up muck" in society. Muckrakers were Progressives and they fought for reform in three areas of society: government, the workplace, and living conditions.
Reforming government
Reforming government
The two problems the Progressives attempted to address in government was corruption and citizen participation. The Progressives installed:
Initiative - Private citizens can propose laws
Referendum - Private citizens can vote on proposed laws
Recall - Citizens can remove an elected official from office if they feel they are corrupt or are not meeting their needs. The only elected official that cannot be recalled is the President
The Progressives also passed three amendments to the constitution:
16th Amendment - right to collect an income tax
17th Amendment - direct election of senators
18th Amendment - Prohibition of alcohol in the US.
Reforming the Workplace
Reforming the Workplace
Working conditions in the late 1800s were appalling. The Progressives fought for, and achieved:
The 8 hour work day and 5 day work week
Eliminated child labor nationwide
Established a minimum wage (a bit later in the 20th century)
Installed workplace safety measures such as fire alarms, sprinklers, and escape routes.
Reforming Society (living conditions)
Reforming Society (living conditions)
Living conditions were probably worse than the working conditions. Most immigrants were housed in tenements - large apartment buildings that were without heat, electricity, bathroom and bathing facilities, and sometimes housed 8 people in apartments that were built for 3. The Progressives worked for:
Electricity and lighting in hallways.
Indoor plumbing
Heating
Fire escapes
Eventually - elevators for buildings that are more than three stories.
The Progressive President
The Progressive President
No President embodied the ideals of the Progressive Era more than Theodore Roosevelt. There were three Progressive Presidents - Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson but it was Roosevelt that brought Progressivism to the White House. Some highlights:
He was the youngest President to serve an entire term (43 when he became President)
He wrote 35 books and spoke 6 languages fluently.
First President to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Served in the Spanish-American War at the age of 38.
Was the Chief of Police of NYC, Secretary of the Navy, and Vice President under William McKinley.
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