Questions and Answers
What were the main groups & ideas that drove the Progressive movement?
Main groups = labor activists, female reform organizations, and forward-looking businessmen. Main ideas = bringing significant change in American social and political life.
How was immigration to the US in this period part of a global movement of people?
Immigrants were immigrating to America as well as other countries, driven by industrial expansion and decline of traditional agriculture, leading to poverty and illiteracy in southern and eastern Europe and parts of Asia.
How did Fordism transform American industrial & consumer society?
Ford developed production and marketing techniques that made products accessible to ordinary Americans, including the moving conveyor belt & assembly line.
How successful was the Socialism movement in the US?
Signup and view all the answers
Why did the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) grow so rapidly & arouse so much opposition?
Signup and view all the answers
What did striking workers mean when they said they wanted 'bread & roses, too'?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Progressive era feminists want to change in society?
Signup and view all the answers
How did Progressive era feminists' actions help spearhead broader reforms?
Signup and view all the answers
How & why was Progressivism an international movement?
Signup and view all the answers
How did each Progressive era president view the role of government?
Signup and view all the answers
How democratic was the Progressive movement?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe the extent to which immigrants either achieved or were denied their rights to freedom & economic opportunity.
Signup and view all the answers
What is 'consumer freedom', & its connections to the growing feminism movement & new urban society?
Signup and view all the answers
How did workers & employers differ in their idea of 'industrial freedom'?
Signup and view all the answers
How did the struggles of the IWW & suffrage advocates promote a broader defense of freedom of expression?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the record of the Progressive movement in promoting the expansion of freedom & democracy?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Progressive Movement Groups and Ideas
- Main drivers included labor activists, female reform organizations, and progressive businessmen.
- Aimed to bring significant change in social and political spheres in America.
Immigration and Global Movement
- Immigration during this period was part of a broader trend toward industrial expansion and the decline of traditional agriculture worldwide.
- Rural areas in southern and eastern Europe, along with parts of Asia, faced poverty and illiteracy, prompting migration.
Impact of Fordism
- Introduced production techniques that made products accessible to average Americans.
- Utilized assembly line and moving conveyor belt methods to enhance efficiency.
Success of the Socialism Movement
- Flourished under the leadership of Eugene V. Debs, with over 150,000 paying members by 1912.
- Advocated for workers' rights, unemployment aid, and freedom from machine politics.
Growth of the IWW
- Attracted workers excluded from the AFL, including immigrants and marginalized groups.
- Faced strong opposition due to its radical leader, William "Big Bill" Haywood, and involvement in strikes.
"Bread and Roses" Meaning
- Phrase reflected workers' demands for not just higher wages but also quality of life improvements.
Goals of Progressive Era Feminists
- Campaigned for women's suffrage and initiatives to improve living standards for mothers and children.
- Advocated for reproductive rights, including access to birth control.
Broader Reforms Initiated by Feminists
- Organizations like Hull House drove reforms related to labor conditions, sanitation, and child labor laws.
- Settlement houses became focal points for community-driven reforms.
Progressivism as an International Movement
- Global cities experienced social strains from industrialization, mirroring issues faced in the US.
- Reformers across nations exchanged ideas, focusing on social policy innovations.
Presidential Views on Government Role
- Roosevelt set the standard for active presidential engagement in domestic and foreign policies.
- Taft, though more conservative, pursued aggressive antitrust actions.
- Wilson emphasized a positive role for government while being wary of both big government and corporate power.
Democratic Nature of the Progressive Movement
- Introduced constitutional amendments giving voters the power to recall officials and mandated direct election of senators.
- Increased public involvement in governance, reducing influence of political machines.
Immigrants' Rights and Economic Opportunity
- Many immigrants faced denial of basic rights by employers, illustrated by the Colorado Fuel and Iron Company strike.
- Strikes aimed for living autonomy, shorter work hours, and improved wages.
Consumer Freedom and Feminism
- Women's demand for higher wages paralleled their desire for consumer goods beyond necessities.
- Urban society shifted towards increased consumer spending and expectations.
Divergent Views of "Industrial Freedom"
- Employers focused on contract freedom regarding working conditions.
- Workers sought fair wages and the right to unionize, viewing labor rights as civil rights issues.
IWW and Suffrage Advocates' Impact
- IWW's inclusive approach and advocacy for free speech expanded the defense of expression rights.
- Key strikes, like the 1917 lumber strike, led to significant labor reforms and improved conditions.
Legacy of the Progressive Movement
- Increased democratic participation and expansion of rights, although faced significant setbacks, particularly regarding racial disenfranchisement in the South.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore key concepts and influential groups from the Progressive Era with these flashcards. Learn about labor activists, reform organizations, and the impact of immigration during this transformative time in American history.