Mr. Raasch's Social Studies
Progressive Presidents
There were several Progressive politicians but the presidents of the era made the greatest strides towards real social change. Theodore Roosevelt created the majority of the national parks, passed the Pure Food and Drug Act, along with several other laws that were designed to help the nation's poor. Taft followed in TR's example, passing even more progressive agenda sponsored laws. Under the Wilson administration, the 19th amendment passed granting women's suffrage, or right to vote.
Causes of the Movement
Following the explosion of capitalism and amazingly successful businessmen, the United States looked like the beacon of hope for the world. However, underneath the great wealth hid a even great poverty. Orphans of factory accidents roamed the towns, men missing varies body parts, children working in small rooms with no windows or ventilation and deplorable conditions of slaughter houses, settlement houses and living conditions of the urban poor. The Progressives were a group of activists that sought out methods to change the social issues in the nation. Muckrakers, journalist who fought for progressive change, attempted to make improvements in the health of the people, exposing the corruption of the government and the terrible conditions of the poor.
Unit 6: Progressives
