The Progressive Moment

Focus Question:Describe the primary role of the

news media in society.

Objectives:After today’s lesson, you will:Describe the ideals behind the

Progressive MovementOutline the groups which made

up the Progressive MovementDescribe three reforms enacted

by the Progressive Movement

Rise of the ProgressivesFirst major 20th century reform

movementUmbrella label

◦Sought to address society’s ills◦Used a variety of tactics

Reaction to changes in society◦Power slipped from the hands of the

peoplePromoted ideas of efficiency

Middle Class RootsThe Progressives were largely a

middle class movement◦Felt caught between capitalists and

labor Power shifting toward great trusts Disenchanted with labor violence

◦Wanted power returned to the people from the special interests. Endorsed ideas of “Pure Democracy”

MuckrakersNew school of journalism

◦Challenged existing ideas of journalism

◦Bring ills of society to light◦Forces public to make a change

Bold group of writers

Muckraking Authors◦ Jacob Riis How the Other Half Lives◦ Lincoln Steffens The Shame of the Cities◦ Ida M Tarbell The History of the Standard Oil

Trust◦ Upton Sinclair The Jungle◦ Ida B. Wells-Barnett Southern Horrors

Religious ReformersThe Social Gospel Movement

◦Churches must address social issues Uplift urban poor Settlement Houses Public Health

Conservative ChallengesUrban ills arose from loss of

religion◦Women’s Christian Temperance Movement Society’s ills come from the bottle

Pushed for Prohibition

SocialistsMany lost faith in Capitalism

◦Labor◦Immigrant communities

Pushed for economicchanges

◦Workplace democracy◦Political democracy

ASSIGNMENTPrepare a poster describing an effort of the Progressive Movement

Each poster must include:TitleSloganSlogan

IllustrationThe Problem AddressedTwo SolutionsImpact