Progressive Era

​What is the Progressive Era?

• It started in the late 1800's and flourished during the early 1900's.

• Reformers​ believed that the efforts of individuals and government could make society better and more fair.

• Progressive leaders reached positions of power in government and passed laws that affected government employees, business practices and public health.​

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​Fighting Corruption

• Political machines ​controlled local government in many cities.

• Political Bosses lead the machines and got their votes by doing favors for people. (buying their votes)

• Even though they did help people, many bosses were dishonest.

• Corrupt politicians accepted bribes from people also. They would take money from landlords and overlook housing violations.​

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​Fighting the Spoils System

• ​The spoils system rewarded political supporters with jobs & favors.

• Another name for this was patronage.

• People were hired for government jobs even though they were not qualified.

• The Civil Service Commission was started in 1883 and required applicants for government jobs to take a test before they were hired to prove they were qualified for the job.​

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Controlling Business

• In the late 1800's people felt that trusts were becoming too large.

• ​Congress passed the Sherman Anti-trust act to help control trusts and monopolies.

• Reformers called for legislation on Railroads too. Congress passed the Interstate Commerce Act which required railroads to charge and post reasonable and just rates.

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Muckrakers Expose Problems

• Muckrakers are journalists who expose problems to the public.

• They aided reformers by exposing injustices, corruption and political favors.

• Lincoln Steffens exposed the political machines in New York, Chicago and other cities. His articles were published in a book which strengthened the demand for urban reform.​

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​Expanding Democracy

• Primary election was introduced in Wisconsin, which allowed voters to choose their party's candidate. Other states copied this.

• The initiative, referendum and recall were first started in Oregon to give voters more power and to limit the influence of political parties. Other western states soon adapted these as well.​

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