The PROGRESSIVE Era [APUSH Unit 7 Topic 4] Period 7: 1898-1945

The video script introduces the Progressive Era as a complex period with a multitude of issues and reform movements. It emphasizes the diversity of the Progressives, who, despite their differences, shared a belief in the necessity of significant government intervention to address societal problems. The script outlines the various issues tackled by Progressives, such as big business power, economic uncertainties, labor conflicts, political corruption, racial segregation, women's suffrage, and alcohol abuse. The era is characterized by a push for societal change through government action, rather than grassroots efforts alone.

This paragraph highlights the significant role of investigative journalists, known as muckrakers, in the Progressive Era. These journalists, including Upton Sinclair, Ida Tarbell, and Jacob Riis, exposed corruption and unsanitary conditions in various industries, such as the meatpacking industry and the living conditions of the urban poor. Their work brought social justice issues to public attention, with the aim of pressuring those in power to enact change. The term 'muckraker', originally derogatory, was embraced by these journalists who were committed to revealing the truth about American corruption.

The script discusses the Progressives' efforts to expand democracy and challenge the influence of political bosses by advocating for the secret ballot, which allowed for more private voting and reduced the power of urban political machines. Progressives also pushed for the direct election of senators through the 17th Amendment, addressing the issue of senators being influenced by millionaires and big business interests. Additionally, the script mentions the 18th Amendment, which established Prohibition, and the 19th Amendment, which recognized women's right to vote. Other democratic reforms included the initiative, referendum, and recall, which aimed to give more power to the people and make politicians more accountable.

The video script introduces Frederick Taylor's concept of scientific management, which aimed to increase efficiency in factories through meticulous timing and analysis of workers' tasks. This approach was successful in improving productivity and profits, leading some Progressives to consider its application to government to reduce waste and increase efficiency. The script suggests that the idea of entrusting government to experts and scientific managers was seen as a potential solution to improve governance during the Progressive Era.

This paragraph focuses on the efforts of black Progressives to achieve social justice and address racial inequalities, particularly in the context of the Plessy v Ferguson decision that legalized racial segregation. The script mentions the founding of the Niagara Movement led by W.E.B. DuBois and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), which aimed to abolish segregation and expand educational opportunities for black children. However, it also notes that the black plight was not a central focus of the broader Progressive agenda.

The script discusses the national impact of Progressivism through the presidency of Teddy Roosevelt, who brought the movement's principles to the national stage. Roosevelt's Square Deal program aimed to balance the interests of both business and labor, as exemplified by his handling of the anthracite coal strike. As a trust buster, he enforced the Sherman Antitrust Act, breaking up monopolies while distinguishing between 'good' and 'bad' trusts. Roosevelt also championed consumer protection laws, such as the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act, in response to public outcry over unsanitary conditions in the food industry. Additionally, he was a proponent of conservation, using the Forest Reserve Act to preserve vast areas of land.