Progressivism and the Progressive Era

Progressivism

• Progressivism focused on improving society as a means of improving the country.
• Politicians like Bryan and La Follette promoted progressivism in local government.
• Theodore Roosevelt supported it, believing societal reform strengthened the nation.
• Issues like child labor, working hours, and alcoholism were addressed during the Progressive Era.
• Women's suffrage was a result of protests and changing attitudes.
• African Americans and other people of color saw little progress during this era.

The Progressive Era and Muckrakers

• The Progressive Era emerged due to Gilded Age corruption in the 1890s.
• Muckrakers, journalists like Steffens, Tarbell, and Baker, exposed corruption and business malpractices.
• Their work pressured the public and government officials like Roosevelt.
• Ida Tarbell's work led to the breakup of Standard Oil.
• Muckrakers like Sinclair influenced legislation like the Pure Food & Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act.
• Muckraking's popularity declined by 1912, but its impact remained.

Causes of World War I

• Alliances: Nations formed agreements to protect interests. The Triple Entente and Triple Alliance were prominent.
• Nationalism: Increased national pride and connection led to competition and conflict.
• Militarism: Increased military spending, weapons production, and recruitment.
• Imperialism: Competition for power globally heightened tensions in Europe.

US Entry into World War I

• The US initially sought neutrality.
• American sympathies favored Britain.
• The sinking of the Lusitania fueled U.S. outrage.
• The Zimmermann Note, a German proposal to Mexico, was a key factor.
• The U.S. declared war in April 1917.

World War I End and Aftermath

• American entry convinced Central Powers of inevitable defeat.
• The Paris Peace Conference established the Treaty of Versailles.
• France and Britain strongly wanted to punish Germany.
• Many groups involved in the war were excluded from the treatymaking process.
• The League of Nations, a key fourteen point, faced U.S. Congressional opposition. Many of the fourteen points were largely ignored.

The Roaring Twenties

• The 1920s saw economic and cultural prosperity in the U.S.
• Technological advancements fueled consumerism.
• Corporations like Ford innovated manufacturing and advertising.
• Middle-class Americans adopted consumer goods (radios, cars).
• Increased consumer debt due to heavy borrowing.
• Flappers represented liberated women.
• President Coolidge was seen as a figure that led this era.

The 1920s: Political Landscape

• Post-WWI political atmosphere, absence of Wilsonian ideals
• Warren G. Harding promised a return to normalcy
• Harding pursued tax cuts and economic recovery.
• Corruption, namely the Teapot Dome Scandal, marred Harding's administration
• Calvin Coolidge took over, followed by Herbert Hoover.
• Coolidge favored business and led to prosperity ("Roaring Twenties").
• The Stock Market Crash of 1929 ended the period of prosperity.

Explore the transformative impact of Progressivism during the Progressive Era, highlighting key figures like Theodore Roosevelt and the role of muckrakers in exposing societal issues. This quiz delves into the challenges faced during this time, including labor rights and suffrage movements, as well as the limited progress for African Americans. Test your knowledge of this pivotal historical period.