The Progressive Era

INTRODUCTION

The Progressive Era was a time of far-reaching social, economic and governmental changes that occurred from the late 1890’s to the First World War. Men and women, rich and poor, white and black, Republicans and Democrats strove for often radical reforms in an attempt to “modernize” and advance the country.

From the Labor Movement to labor laws, from suffrage to temperance, election reforms to safety, and even conservation, the Progressive Movement was an effort to cure many of the ills of American society that had developed during the great spurt of industrial growth in the last quarter of the 19th century.

TASK

You will be placed into the following groups (see projection for group assignments) to determine which specific sub movement had the most significant and lasting impact on society:

• Labor
• Temperance
• Government
• Women’s Suffrage
• Consumer Protection

PROCESS

Step 1: Take no more than ten minutes to read (and watch) from the links above.

Step 2: Each group member must read one of the following to gain insight into the reasons for reform. As you read, record your answers on the sheet provided. 

• Labor

Progressive Era Reform

Working in The Jungle

National Consumers League

Florence Kelley

The Triangle Factory Fire

• Temperance

The Temperance Movement

Temperance Leaders and Terms

Women’s Christian Temperance Union

Prohibition: A Case Study

End of Prohibition in the U.S.

• Government

The Progressive Party

Political Machines

Election Reforms

Clayton Antitrust Act

Federal Trade Commission Act

• Women’s Suffrage

The Fight for Suffrage

Susan B. Anthony

Vote “No” on Suffrage

Suffragists Arrested

19th Amendment

• Consumer Protection

Muckrakers

The Jungle

Muckrakers & Reformers

Pure Food and Drug Act

Meat Inspection Act

Step 3: Each group will create a presentation using PowerPoint, Google Sheets or Prezi where you will describe how your sub movement had the most significant and lasting impact on society. You will upload it to Google Classroom and then each presentation will be presented tomorrow, followed by a discussion (debate?) on which sub movement had the most significant and lasting impact.

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