(Class 15) Progressivism Flashcards
1
Q
What is Progressivism?
A
- A philosophy based on the idea of progress
- Asserts that advancement in science, technology, economic development, and social organization are vital to improve the human condition.
- The term applied to a variety of responses to the economic and social problems rapid industrialization introduced to America
- The belief that government or people acting on its behalf can be used to address social problems, inequalities, or inequities facing the nation.
- Progressivism recognizes that many people need help to make it, advocates for government intervention when needed to help people, and grew out of urban areas (cities)
2
Q
What is a settlement house
A
- An institution in an inner-city area providing educational, recreational, and other social services to the community
- (A community or neighborhood center) - is a neighborhood-based organization that provides services and activities designed to identify and reinforce the strengths of individuals, families and communities
3
Q
What were settlement houses intended for?
A
- to help the largely immigrant urban poor cope with harsh conditions of city life
- The movement started in London in the mid-19th century
- Established by middle-class reformers
4
Q
Who was Jane Addams
A
- Addams was the most famous woman reformer of the progressive period
- Visited Toynbee House in London
- She bought the decaying Hull mansion in poor immigrant area in Chicago
- Moves into the building and demanded all workers do the same
- Ministered to cultural, social as well as economic needs of poor immigrants
5
Q
Square Deal
A
- He demonstrated that government was going to protect the public from power of big business
- Roosevelt told the nation that all he had tried to do in the coal dispute was give management and labor a “square deal”
- Slogan “square deal” became Roosevelt’s campaign slogan in the 1904 election
- In 1904 he easily swept into his own term with 57% of the popular vote – largest margin of victory to date
6
Q
What was muckraking?
A
- The term muckraker characterize reform-minded American journalists who attacked established institutions and leaders as corrupt
- Term popularized by Roosevelt
- Today we call it “investigative reporting”
- Took on corporate monopolies and political machines
- They typically had large audiences in some popular magazines
- Tried to raise public awareness and anger at urban poverty, unsafe working conditions, prostitution, and child labor.
- Provided much help in securing progressive legislation
7
Q
What was the Jungle?
A
- Jungle by Upton Sinclair came out in 1906
- Sinclair was Socialist. Wrote the Novel
- Exampleof Muckraking- exposed ills
- Basically caused the Pure Food and Drug Act
8
Q
Pure Food and Drug Act
A
- Roosevelt wanted food inspection
- Public outcry from book in large part led to passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act in 1906
9
Q
Big Stick
A
- Roosevelt activism extended to foreign policy
- Relied on executive power to pursue vigorous foreign policy
- Combined diplomacy with military strength
- Motto was “speak softly but carry a big stick”
- Strong supporter of Monroe Doctrine
- Guarded US sphere of influence in western hemispher
10
Q
Panama Canal
A
- Roosevelt supported a canal linking the Caribbean to the Pacific
- Enabled ships to move quickly from Atlantic to Pacific
- Reduced voyage from coast to coast by 8,000 miles and effectively doubled US Navy power
- Panama isthmus was perfect – a part of Colombia in 1900
- In 1902 Roosevelt offered Colombians $10 million and $250,000 annual rent
- They refused – they wanted more money
- In 1903 Panamanians had independence uprising and US recognized new government immediately
11
Q
The Roosevelt Corollary of the Monroe Doctrine (1904)
A
- Roosevelt announced his corollary to the Monroe Doctrine – put teeth in Monroe Doctrine
- Corollary declared the United States had a right to act as “an international police power” in the Western Hemisphere
- United States would not intervene in Latin America as long as nations there acted with “decency”
- Served as notice to the European powers to keep out
12
Q
William Howard Taft
A
- Roosevelt believed president had right to be legal steward of the people and do anything unless the constitution or law forbade it
- Taft believed power should be in hands of Congress and the Courts
- He believed the courts, Supreme Court, should arbitrate social issues
- Taft did not condone presidential activism
- He acted more like a judge than a steward
13
Q
Dollar Diplomacy
A
- Taft continued Roosevelt’s foreign policy trying to extend US influence abroad
- “The Big Stick” -> “Dollar Diplomacy”
- Dollar Diplomacy emphasized economic investment and loans from American banks, rather than direct military intervention
- Private enterprise, not the military, would direct foreign policy
- In Latin America believed US investments would benefit all
- In Asia he promoted active intervention for profitable investments
- Taft lacked Roosevelt’s knowledge of power politics in foreign affairs
- Failed to understand that aggressive commercial foreign policy required military back up to protect US investment interests.
- Mexican Revolution (1911) proved the point. Had to call out troops to protect US interests
- Roosevelt by 1910 had become vocal critic of Taft foreign policy – called it “weak”
14
Q
“My Hat’s in the ring”
A
- Convinced that his hand chosen successor was inept, in February 1912 Roosevelt announces he is candidate for the Republican nomination
- Taft refused to step aside for his former boss
- New primary election laws allowed Roosevelt to run in 13 states
- He won 278 delegates to Taft’s 48 but Convention chairman refused to seat his delegates and Taft won Republican nomination on the 1st ballot
- Crying RIGGED system Roosevelt supporters bolted Republican party and formed the Progressive Party
15
Q
The Bull Moose Party
A
- 7 weeks after Republicans nominate Taft, progressives met in Chicago to nominate Roosevelt
- Roosevelt for President and Hiram Johnson as VP
- Jane Addams seconded his nomination calling it the “biggest day of her life”
- Roosevelt claims he felt “fit as a bull moose”
- Launch most ambitious and progressive platform since Populism
