Ap Us History Chapter 17

AP US History Chapter 17: The Progressive Era and the Rise of American Power (1890-1917)

This chapter delves into a pivotal period in American history: the Progressive Era (roughly 1890-1917). We'll explore the significant social, economic, and political changes that reshaped the nation, laying the groundwork for America's emergence as a global power. Understanding this era is crucial for comprehending the 20th and 21st centuries' political landscape and the ongoing debates surrounding issues like government regulation, social justice, and foreign policy. This comprehensive guide will examine the key themes, movements, and figures of this transformative period.

I. The Seeds of Change: Origins of Progressivism

The Progressive Era wasn't a sudden eruption but rather a culmination of various factors brewing throughout the late 19th century. Rapid industrialization, fueled by the Second Industrial Revolution, created immense wealth but also exacerbated inequality. The Gilded Age, characterized by conspicuous consumption alongside widespread poverty and working-class struggles, fueled a desire for reform. Several key factors contributed to the rise of Progressivism:

• Industrialization and its Discontents: The rapid growth of factories led to harsh working conditions, low wages, and child labor. The rise of powerful monopolies and trusts stifled competition and fueled public resentment. Think of the Standard Oil Company and the ruthless tactics employed by John D. Rockefeller. This created fertile ground for progressive reforms aimed at regulating big business.

• Urbanization and its Challenges: Millions migrated from rural areas to burgeoning cities, leading to overcrowded slums, inadequate sanitation, and high crime rates. These urban challenges highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, public health initiatives, and social services. Muckrakers, investigative journalists like Upton Sinclair (author of The Jungle), played a significant role in exposing these problems to the public.

• The Rise of Populism: The Populist movement of the 1890s, though ultimately unsuccessful in its presidential ambitions, laid the groundwork for many progressive ideas. Populists championed farmers' rights, advocated for government regulation of railroads, and demanded greater economic equality. Their focus on the plight of ordinary citizens resonated with many progressives.

• Intellectual and Social Reform Movements: The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the rise of various social reform movements, including the settlement house movement (Jane Addams' Hull House being a prime example), the women's suffrage movement, and the temperance movement. These movements addressed social ills and laid the groundwork for broader progressive reforms.

II. Key Progressive Reforms: A Multifaceted Approach

Progressives tackled a wide range of issues, adopting different approaches and strategies. Their efforts can be broadly categorized into several key areas:

• Political Reform: Progressives sought to make government more responsive to the needs of the people. Key reforms included initiatives like the direct primary, which allowed voters to choose their party's nominees directly, rather than having them selected by party bosses. The initiative, referendum, and recall gave citizens more direct control over legislation. The 17th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1913, provided for the direct election of senators.

• Economic Reform: To address the excesses of industrial capitalism, progressives pushed for government regulation of businesses. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, although initially weakly enforced, was strengthened during the Progressive Era to break up monopolies and trusts. The Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 further clarified and strengthened antitrust laws. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was established in 1914 to monitor business practices and prevent unfair competition.

• Social Reform: Progressive reformers tackled social issues like poverty, child labor, and public health. Settlement houses provided social services to the poor, while reformers lobbied for laws to improve working conditions, limit child labor, and establish minimum wage laws. The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire of 1911, a horrific tragedy that claimed many lives, galvanized support for workplace safety regulations.

• Women's Suffrage: The fight for women's right to vote gained significant momentum during the Progressive Era. Suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Alice Paul employed various tactics, from lobbying to civil disobedience, to achieve their goal. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, finally granted women the right to vote.

III. Key Figures of the Progressive Era

The Progressive Era witnessed the rise of numerous influential figures who championed reform:

• Theodore Roosevelt: As president (1901-1909), Roosevelt embraced a "Square Deal" philosophy, advocating for the three Cs: control of corporations, consumer protection, and conservation of natural resources. He aggressively used the Sherman Antitrust Act and expanded national parks and forests.

• Woodrow Wilson: Wilson's presidency (1913-1921) saw the passage of significant progressive legislation, including the Clayton Antitrust Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Federal Reserve Act. His "New Freedom" program aimed to restore competition and decentralize economic power.

• Jane Addams: A prominent social reformer and founder of Hull House, Addams played a key role in addressing urban poverty and advocating for social justice.

• Robert La Follette: A progressive governor and senator from Wisconsin, La Follette championed various reforms, including direct primaries and regulation of railroads. He is considered a key figure in the Wisconsin Idea, which promoted progressive governance at the state level.

• Upton Sinclair: Sinclair's The Jungle exposed the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, leading to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.

IV. America's Growing Global Influence

While focused on domestic reforms, the Progressive Era also witnessed the beginning of America's rise to global prominence. Several factors contributed to this:

• Economic Expansion: American industrial growth fueled expansion into foreign markets, leading to increased investment and trade abroad.

• Military Modernization: The Spanish-American War (1898) demonstrated the need for a stronger navy and a more modern military. The construction of the Panama Canal (completed in 1914) further enhanced America's naval power and global reach.

• Interventionism: The United States increasingly intervened in Latin American affairs, often justified by the "Roosevelt Corollary" to the Monroe Doctrine. This corollary asserted the right of the United States to intervene in the affairs of Latin American countries to prevent European intervention.

• World War I: America's entry into World War I in 1917 dramatically altered the global balance of power and solidified America's position as a major world power. While initially neutral, Wilson's decision to enter the war was driven by a combination of factors, including unrestricted submarine warfare by Germany and a desire to "make the world safe for democracy."

V. Limitations and Criticisms of Progressivism

Despite its achievements, the Progressive Era had limitations and faced criticisms:

• Racial Inequality: While progressives championed reforms, racial discrimination remained pervasive. African Americans were largely excluded from the benefits of progressive reforms and faced continued segregation and violence.

• Limited Scope: Some critics argued that progressivism didn't go far enough in addressing economic inequality and the power of big business.

• Exclusionary Practices: The progressive movement, while aiming for broader participation, often excluded certain groups, including immigrants and minorities.

• Imperialistic Tendencies: America's increasing interventionism in foreign affairs during this period raised concerns about imperialism and the violation of national sovereignty.

VI. Conclusion: A Legacy of Reform and Transformation

The Progressive Era was a period of profound change and reform. Progressives successfully addressed many of the pressing social, economic, and political issues of the time, leaving a lasting impact on American society. While not without its flaws and limitations, the Progressive Era laid the groundwork for many of the social and political battles that continue to this day. Understanding this period is crucial for understanding the ongoing debates surrounding government regulation, social justice, and America's role in the world. The legacy of the Progressive Era continues to shape the ongoing dialogue about the balance between individual liberty and collective responsibility, the role of government in addressing societal problems, and the nature of American power on the global stage.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What was the main goal of the Progressive movement? The main goal was to address the social, economic, and political problems created by rapid industrialization and urbanization. This included improving working conditions, reducing poverty, reforming government, and promoting social justice.

• Who were the muckrakers and what role did they play? Muckrakers were investigative journalists who exposed corruption and social problems. They played a crucial role in raising public awareness and galvanizing support for reform.

• What were the major accomplishments of the Progressive Era? Major accomplishments included the regulation of big business, improvements in working conditions, women's suffrage, and the expansion of government's role in addressing social and economic problems.

• How did the Progressive Era impact American foreign policy? The era saw the beginning of America's rise to global power, marked by increased intervention in Latin America and eventual entry into World War I.

• What were the limitations of the Progressive movement? The movement's limitations included its failure to fully address racial inequality and its sometimes exclusionary practices.

This comprehensive overview of AP US History Chapter 17 provides a solid foundation for understanding this pivotal period. Remember to consult your textbook and other supplementary materials for a more in-depth analysis. By understanding the complexities of this era, you'll gain valuable insights into the development of modern America and the ongoing challenges facing our nation.