The Progressive Era Flashcards

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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?

The Socialist Party flourished under Eugene V. Debs, reaching over 150K members and significant support by 1912, advocating for workers' rights and aid for the unemployed. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) grow so rapidly & arouse so much opposition?

It grew due to workers excluded from the AFL joining, including immigrants and women. It faced opposition due to its controversial leader, William 'Big Bill' Haywood. Signup and view all the answers

What did striking workers mean when they said they wanted 'bread & roses, too'?

'Bread & roses' meant workers sought not only higher wages but also the opportunity to enjoy the finer things in life. Signup and view all the answers

What did Progressive era feminists want to change in society?

They campaigned for the right to vote, improved living standards for mothers and children, and control over their bodies, including access to birth control. Signup and view all the answers

How did Progressive era feminists' actions help spearhead broader reforms?

Hull House led to reforms such as health and safety codes, shorter working hours, and labor rights, influencing broader social legislation. Signup and view all the answers

How & why was Progressivism an international movement?

Cities worldwide faced similar challenges from industrialization, prompting reformers to exchange ideas and develop new social policies. Signup and view all the answers

How did each Progressive era president view the role of government?

Roosevelt engaged actively in affairs, Taft pursued antitrust policies aggressively, and Wilson advocated for a positive government role in freedom. Signup and view all the answers

How democratic was the Progressive movement?

It was very democratic, with laws that expanded voter power, such as the recall of elected officials and the 17th Amendment for electing senators. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the extent to which immigrants either achieved or were denied their rights to freedom & economic opportunity.

Many immigrants were denied rights by employers, facing exploitation, as seen in strikes for better living conditions and wages. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'consumer freedom', & its connections to the growing feminism movement & new urban society?

'Consumer freedom' pertains to women's desire for higher wages and the freedom to buy non-essential goods, reflecting urban societal changes. Signup and view all the answers

How did workers & employers differ in their idea of 'industrial freedom'?

Employers viewed it as the freedom of contract, while workers saw it as higher wages and the right to unionize and voice their rights. Signup and view all the answers

How did the struggles of the IWW & suffrage advocates promote a broader defense of freedom of expression?

The IWW advocated for free organization and speech rights, which alongside suffrage efforts helped push for broader freedoms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the record of the Progressive movement in promoting the expansion of freedom & democracy?

The IWW's efforts led to expanded freedoms, albeit with restrictions on democratic participation, notably for blacks in the South. 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.

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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.