The Progressive Movement Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How did the Populists and the Progressives differ?

The Populists were mainly aggrieved farmers advocating radical reforms, while the Progressives were urban, middle-class reformers wanting to increase government roles in reform while maintaining a capitalist economy.

Why did Populism fail?

Its constituents were mostly poor farmers whose daily struggle to make a living made political activity difficult.

Why did the Progressives achieve greater success?

They were an urban, middle-class movement. 2) Proponents had more economic and political clout than the Populists 3) They could devote more time to their causes 4) They did not intensify regional and class differences.

Who was Robert La Follette?

He led the way for many Progressive state leaders and implemented plans for direct primary elections, progressive taxation, and rail regulation in Wisconsin. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ballot initiative?

It allowed voters to propose new laws. Signup and view all the answers

What is a referendum?

It allowed the public to vote on new laws. Signup and view all the answers

What is a recall election?

It gave voters the power to remove officials from office before their terms expired. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Roosevelt win the 1904 election?

He won on the strength of his handling of Latin American affairs. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Roosevelt called the 'Trustbuster'?

He was the first to successfully use the Sherman Antitrust Act against monopolies. Signup and view all the answers

What were Roosevelt's progressive achievements?

He tightened food and drug regulations, created national parks, and broadened the government's power to protect land from over-development. Signup and view all the answers

Who was William Howard Taft?

He spearheaded the drive for two constitutional amendments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 16th amendment?

It established a national income tax. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 17th amendment?

It allowed for the direct election of senators. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Progressive Era a turning point in American history?

It marks the ever-increasing involvement of the federal government in our daily lives. Signup and view all the answers

What are Roosevelt's policies often referred to as?

New Nationalism. Signup and view all the answers

What did Wilson refer to his ideas and policies as?

New Freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Wilson assert government played in regulating business?

Wilson believed the federal government had to assume greater control over business to protect man's freedom. Signup and view all the answers

How did Wilson and Roosevelt differ in their views on trusts?

Roosevelt believed there are good trusts and bad trusts, while Wilson believed all trusts were monopolies. Signup and view all the answers

What stance did Wilson have on tariffs?

Wilson wanted to lower tariffs. Signup and view all the answers

Name three things Wilson created.

Federal Trade Commission, Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914, Federal Reserve System. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Progressivism end?

<ol> <li>The nation was weary from war and Spanish Flu 2) War tore apart the Progressive coalition 3) Red Scare 4) They achieved most of their goals.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Differentiating Populists and Progressives

Populists represented primarily aggrieved farmers advocating radical reforms.
Progressives were urban, middle-class reformers focused on enhancing government roles within a capitalist framework.

Reasons for the Failure of Populism

Constituents were mainly poor farmers, hindering sustained political engagement.
Economic struggles limited capacity for political activism.

Successes of the Progressive Movement

Urban and middle-class base allowed for greater political and economic influence.
Progressives engaged in issues with more time and resources compared to the Populists.
The movement did not exacerbate regional and class tensions as the Populists did.

Robert La Follette's Contributions

Influential Progressive leader in Wisconsin.
Promoted direct primary elections, progressive taxation, and rail regulation.

Key Progressive Initiatives

Ballot Initiative: Enabled voters to propose new laws.
Referendum: Allowed public voting on proposed laws.
Recall Election: Gave voters power to remove officials before term completion.

Theodore Roosevelt's Achievements

Secured the 1904 election largely due to his management of Latin American affairs.
Earned the title "Trustbuster" for effectively utilizing the Sherman Antitrust Act against monopolies.
Accomplished progressive reforms, including stricter food and drug regulations and the establishment of national parks.

William Howard Taft's Legislative Efforts

Advocated for the national income tax and direct election of senators through two constitutional amendments.

Constitutional Amendments

16th Amendment: Instituted a national income tax.
17th Amendment: Enabled direct election of senators.

Significance of the Progressive Era

Represented a notable shift towards increased federal government involvement in citizens' lives.

Distinct Policies of Wilson and Roosevelt

Roosevelt's policies known as "New Nationalism"; he viewed trusts as either good or bad.
Wilson's framework termed "New Freedom"; he considered all trusts monopolies requiring regulation.
Wilson sought to lower tariffs as part of his economic strategy.

Legislative Contributions Under Wilson

Established the Federal Trade Commission.
Introduced the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914.
Created the Federal Reserve System.

Conclusion of the Progressive Movement

Progressivism declined due to:
- National exhaustion from World War I and the Spanish Flu.
- Fragmentation of the Progressive coalition.
- The onset of the Red Scare.
- Many of its goals had already been achieved.

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Description

Explore the key differences between Populism and Progressivism with these flashcards. Learn about the social classes involved and the failures of the Populist movement in historical context. Perfect for students studying American history.