Download Progressive Umbrella Project Grading Rubric - Hatboro

Introduction to the Spirit of Progressivism 1900-1920
In the quarter-century after the Civil War, politics appeared to give Americans a sense of
stability and permanence that its economy lacked. With the rise of Imperialist action, America
faced new challenges of a growing economy and uncontrolled industrialization. Both Democrats
and Republicans were resistant to face the vexing questions about social and political equality
among its citizens, resulting in another cost of Imperialism-racial and social discrimination in the
Gilded Age.
It would be another quarter of century before a younger generation of progressives in
both parties acknowledged the need to correct the ills and sickness within the American
government and capitalist system. Moral reformers and prohibitionists, women, farmers, and
industrial workers split from their traditional political loyalties to form splinter-parties of their
own. Finally, the election of 1896, and the emergence of the Populist movement, broke the party
discipline and loyalty that Gilded Age had counted on. This election freed the American
political system to reveal that the average voter was more independent than the “professional
politicians” had once assumed.
William Jennings Bryan had uncovered a quiet, but powerful, voice of Americans who
were tired of corrupt politicians, exploitive industrialists, and a-moral philosophies. Even though
his presidential campaign failed, it envisioned the triumph of the middle-class. With the stirring
of these hopes came a second, more potent challenge to the old Gilded Age politics—the
challenge of Progressivism.
A variety of forces helped shape the Progressive Movement. There was no single
“progressive type” among the leaders or the rank and file; there was no typical age, social status,
economic background, religion, or education. The Progressives were drawn from the
mainstream of native-born middle class Americans that were eager to apply their ideas for
reforming society and politics. They could be found equally in both the reform wings of the
Democratic and Republican parties.
With this great variety in Progressivism from the 1890’s to the 1920’s, it is useful to look at
this unique situation not as a collected and uniform movement, but rather as a patchwork of the
efforts of different interest groups that occasionally agreed on specific issues but were unable to
combine as a whole behind a unified and coherent political party. In the spirit of the America’s
Founders, whose commitment to the country they so admired, Progressive reformers thought of
themselves as the architects and designers of a fair and stable social order based on the principles
that had guided the Constitutional Fathers.
1. List at least two reasons why Progressivism emerged in America

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2. What “let the cat out of the bag” in America’s political system? In other words,
what event broke with conventional wisdom (traditional roles)?
3. Despite their differences, what was the “common bond” that Progressives
shared?
Progressive “Umbrella” Activity
Name: ____________________________ Due Date: _________ Pd: ________
Group Members: ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
Overview:
In the spirit of the Progressive Age, you will help complete this project as
part of a group. As a class, we will attempt to instill enthusiasm and cooperation
with your fellow classmates giving an equal voice to all. As a part of a group, you
will be encouraged to channel all of your skills to contribute to a successful
project.
The Progressives entered into reform with the specific goals of allowing the
government to be run by the people who represented the educational and social
interests of society. You will be part of the solution. You are now those
representatives.
Assignment:
Imagine yourself on a deserted highway stretching endlessly into a dark and
stormy horizon. Large clouds of the Gilded Age’s greed, corruption, and
exploitation, billow towards you blocking out the golden sunshine of the American
dream and opportunity. As the raindrops fall you can smell the stench of the
polluted principles of the Gilded Age, burning the flesh of those without
protection- the young in the fields, the old on the streets, everyone who is hungry,
fatigued, and sick from their dreary existences. They are cold, shivering, and
infected with what will surely bring them to their end.
But there is the knowledge for change. A few brave, noble, men and women
realize they can raise an umbrella to shelter themselves. At first small, and fragile,
innovators and fighters such as Robert LaFollette and Florence Kelly spread the
word to those most vulnerable and later people with the vision and power, such as
Theodore Roosevelt, brought larger and stronger umbrellas to the people. The
skies remained dark and threatening, soaking others- blacks and immigrants-not so
fortunate to have advocates for their suffering. Many shelters were held in place
by the moral fortitude of intelligent individuals such as Woodrow Wilson. With all
of the support and commitment of these beleaguered men and women, the
Progressives were able to provide protection and relief to the common person.
They signify a fundamental change that the government was to put the interests of
the individual over that of any political, economic, or military importance.
Directions:
To represent the spirit of the Progressive Age, you will work with other likeminded reformers to make a symbolic umbrella, reflecting the ideals and
philosophy of a noble and wholesome cause.
In this you and your group will need to complete the following:
You will be given a number of Progressive reforms and people that need to
be included in your umbrella. You must label and research information from your
textbook, Internet, and library resources.
1. With these definitions you must write the following information in a concise
and effective way:
 Summarize what the law/person enacted in the
Progressive Age
 State the Years enacted/effective
 Explain why it represented such a change in
attitude/condition of the common man.
2. Design an umbrella signifying the Gilded Age’s threat, the protection of
Progressive reform, and the laws, institutions, and people who made America a
more just and equal nation.
3. Attach your reforms to your group’s umbrella.
4. Effectively decorate/symbolize issues faced and solutions proposed.
5. Present your umbrella and your reforms to the rest of the class (who will fill out
an information packet to study for the next test).
 Every member must present, by memory a part of the umbrella.
 Group cooperation will be a part of your overall grade.
Extra Credit will be awarded to each member of the group who best designs and
represents Progressive reform and goals.
Be creative, be effective, and have fun!
Good Luck!!!!
GROUP ONE
MUCKRAKERS: Nicknamed by TR, these journalists exposed social and economic evilsinspiring reform in society. Rejecting the principles of Yellow Journalism, these men and
women often faced physical and character assassination by political bosses and industrial giants.
a. Lincoln Steffens – Wrote Shame of the Cities – a look into the slums of Philadelphia
and the lack of humane conditions for the inhabitants.
b. Jacob Riis: Photographed the poor and children workers in his book How the Other
Half Lives.
c. Ida Tarbell: Exposed the corrupt business practices of John D. Rockefeller and
Standard oil - inspiring the government to challenge monopolies and trusts
NAACP: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peoples was
founded by W.E.B. Dubois to fight against discrimination in society. It provides scholarships
and grants to African-Americans for higher education, supports legal challenges to potential
unconstitutional discrimination lawsuits, councils minorities to establish meaningful professional
careers. Today it is still one of the most effective Civil Rights organization today
REFERENDUM (State level): This Progressive reform allows voters to vote directly upon a
law or particular issue without going through the legislature or Congress. It allows the average
person to ask to change a law in existence. This is another form of pure democracy!
HEPBURN ACT: This allowed the government through the I.C.C (Interstate Commerce
Commission) to regulate railroads, oil pipelines, and bridges and ensure that, “just and
reasonable” prices were being charged fairly to all customers. It made the big business pay as
much for a ticket on a train as the common person.
This was a major step away from Laissez-Faire.
17th AMENDMENT (Direct election of Senators): This major Progressive reform allowed the
citizens of the U.S. to directly elect their own senators, usually divided into local representative
districts. This gave more power in common person!
GROUP TWO
ROBERT LAFOLETTE (“Fighting Bob”): Senator from Wisconsin who is seen as the father
of the Progressive movement. Took on the “professional politicians” and fought for state
reforms such as referendum, recall, and initiative. He is a legendary orator, often speaking for 10
hours at an appearance.
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON: African-American Leader who believed that blacks should be
patient. The belief that work blue collar (labor oriented) jobs will establish fair economic status
and then eventually require equality and more opportunity. He believed the people could slowly
change discrimination from “the bottom to the top”. He founded the Tuskegee Institute in
Alabama to provide skilled training to black workers.
RECALL (State only): Progressive reform allows voters to remove certain elected officials
from office if they’re not performing adequately, or engage in criminal behavior. This is a form
of pure democracy, forcing politicians to see to their voter’s interests and opinions!
ARBITRATION AND THE U.M.W (United Mine Workers): In 1902 Theodore Roosevelt
settled the coal miner’s strike by forcing arbitration (a conflict to be decided by an independent
party).
This represented the first time that the government took the side of the workers in a labor dispute
instead of the owners. This action made Roosevelt wildly popular! Taft and Wilson would not
support this measure in following presidencies.
18th AMENDMENT enforced by the Volstead Act: Passed in 1919 this prohibited the
manufacture, distribution, or sale of alcohol in America. Began the period we know as
“Prohibition!” This showed that the Progressives were very moralistic and often religious in
nature, suggesting alcohol ruined families through addiction and cost.
GROUP THREE
EUGENE DEBS: Leader of the A.R.U. and the American Socialist Party he came to represent
the worker in America, always encouraging the Government to control the major industries then distribute the profits equally to the people, a type of communist control. Ran for president 6
times, and while in prison received over 1 million popular votes.
ELECTION OF 1912: TR re-entered the political sphere as the head of the Bull Moose Party
and ran for president as an independent undermining Taft. TR split the Republican vote away
from Taft, giving the presidency to the Democrats and Woodrow Wilson
PURE FOOD AND DRUG ACT: Passed in 1906 this led to the creation of the F.D.A. (Food
and Drug Administration.) It was inspired by Upton Sinclair’s book The Jungle that reported
unsafe food processing and unethical business practiced in the meatpacking industry. Theodore
Roosevelt’s enraged by such actions, remembering the suffering of soldiers in the Sp-Am. War,
pushes legislative powers calling for reform.
CONSERVATIONISM (modern environmentalism): Industrialization and expansion were
reeking havoc on the environment, so Theodore Roosevelt with the help of his friends John Muir
and Gifford Pinchot set aside huge tracts of Wilderness (National Parks and Forests) for
protection. Yosemity and Yellowstone National Parks were the first to be established.
WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (State reform): One of Woodrow Wilson’s reforms
began in New Jersey. This allows workers payment if they suffer a job related injury. It provides
a “safety net”, for workers to be able to recover and rehabilitate. It also encourages owners to
improve dangerous conditions as they partially pay for the wages of those protected under
workman’s compensation.
GROUP FOUR
FLORENCE KELLY: Even though she could not vote, she was a Progressive activist who
fought for women’s rights and won for them (and others) the right to only work 10 hours a day
and 6 days a week in the case Muller vs. Oregon.
REFORM IN CITY GOVERNMENT: Progressive reforms to clean up the political machines
of cities called City Manager Plans or Commission Systems - This placed educated experts in
charge of the city and allowed them to make decisions based on planning and welfare of the
people.
Teddy Roosevelt’s “SQUARE DEAL”: T.R., the first modern president, labeled this to his
domestic policy. He used the power of the Bully Pulpit (The White House) to pass reforms such
as Trust-busting (to restore competition), Conservationism ( to save America’s natural treasures)
, and advocating for the rights of workers (to give greater opportunity for the common people).
WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT: Roosevelt’s hand picked successor as president, he actually
brought about more anti-trust suits (44) during his administration than Roosevelt did. However,
he supported tariffs decreasing competition from foreign markets and increasing the power of
wealthy American industrialists. Taft also opposed federal restrictions on using frontier and
wilderness for industrial development, angering the conservationists (modern day
environmentalists).
UNDERWOOD TARIFF: Passed under the third progressive president, Woodrow Wilson.
This lowered the Tariff (Tax on imports) to allow foreign companies to sell their products more
easily in America. It counteracted Taft’s preceding increases. With this increased competition
the Trusts and monopolies were forced to lower their prices, and would challenge Wilson’s
economic policies for the rest of his career.
GROUP FIVE
19TH AMENDMENT (Women’s Suffrage) - Heroines of the women’s movement were Susan
B Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Carrie Chapman Catt. They ensured the passing of the
19th amendment which granted women the right to vote (Women’s suffrage). Movement was
largely supported by women’s work during WWI, proving that the “lesser sex” was as capable of
supporting and leading the country as the “greater sex” went off dieing in war.
DIRECT PRIMARY (State level): This Progressive reform allowed the people to directly vote
for and choose their candidates in party specific elections. For instance, before a candidate may
run for the Senate, he/she must be voted in by people who register in that party. i.e Republican
Voters vote for a Republican to run in the election. This took power away from the political
parties and thus gave more power to the people.
JANE ADDAMS (Hull House): She was a Progressive activist who founded the Hull House in
Chicago. This was a place that provided food and relief to homeless, immigrants, and children.
Her charity accepted everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, and religion. Her funding came from
private donations. She is seen and the founder of modern Social Work!!! She also helped
WEB Dubois found NAACP.
WOODROW WILSON AND HIS “NEW FREEDOM”: The 3rd Progressive president and
his domestic policy, he was famous for his leadership during WWI, and for his moralistic peacekeeping focus. He pushed Congress to pass the Underwood Tariff, Workmen’s Compensation,
and the Federal Reserve Act in order for America to be less dependent on foreign markets and
interests.
FEDERAL RESERVE ACT: Passed under Woodrow Wilson’s administration this gave the
government much more control over the banking industry, and took power away from the
“Robber Barons” (industrialists who manipulated the gold standard and stock market for their
own wealth). It split the U.S.A. into 12 financial districts and secured the government ability to
influence the economy by manipulation interest rates. It created a national standard that the
common man could understand.
GROUP SIX
W.E.B. DUBOIS: He was the first African American to graduate from Harvard he went on to
found the NAACP. He believed that blacks deserved their equal rights immediately. His vision
of change was increase the education of white collar (educated professionals, doctors, lawyers,
engineers...) careers in order to take leadership of major fields of business. In this the change to
racial equality would be “top-down” oriented.
INITIATIVE (State level): This Progressive reform allows voters to directly introduce a law
for other voters to decide upon. It enables the common man to begin the lawmaking process to
represent greater equality without “professional politicians” or lawyers. If the initiative is
passed, then it advances to a referendum, a step closer in turning into a enforceable law. This is
pure democracy!!!
MARGARET SANGER: Was a Progressive nurse who began birth control clinics in order for
women to gain greater biological independence. Eventually these became the organization
called Planned Parenthood that counseled women on the dangers of unwanted pregnancies,
communicable diseases, and spousal abuse. It was a great change from the conservative
standards or the Victorian Era.
16TH AMENDMENT (Income Tax): This amendment allows the federal government to tax
all workers’ income. It was passed as a way that the government could raise more money from
all sections of society. In turn, the federal government could provide more services for American
citizens, such as public education, modern transportation, public electricity, and limited health
care to those who could not normally afford such things.
CLAYTON ANTI-TRUST ACT: This act passed under the Wilson administration
strengthened the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. It made illegal trusts, interlocking directorates and
also allowed workers to strike and boycott as long as it was peaceful. Purpose was to restore
competition to the economy and give the unions a even playing field to negotiate fair labor
contracts.
Progressive Reform Study Guide
Reform: Change for the Better
Using the umbrellas around the room, complete the information below in order to
create a study guide to use in your next test. When possible, write the information
in your own words.
Eliminate Corruption in Government
Initiative
Referendum
Recall
Reform in City Governments
Direct Primary
17th Amendment (__________________)
Robert La Follette
Eugene Debs
T.R. “Square Deal” & Bully Pulpit
Woodrow Wilson & The New Freedom
Restore Competition to Business
Trust-busting
Sherman & Clayton Anti-Trust Acts
William Howard Taft
Underwood Tariff
Hepburn Act
Arbitration & U.M.W.
Federal Reserve Act
Use the Government as a Tool for Social Improvement
Conservationism
18th Amendment (____________________)
Election of 1912- TR & “Bull Moose Party”
19th Amendment (____________________) & Carrie Chapman Catt
WEB Dubois & NAACP
Protect the Less Fortunate
Workers’ Compensation
Pure Food and Drug Act
16th Amendment (__________________)
Florence Kelly & ____________ v. _______________
Jane Addams & Hull House
Margaret Sanger
Muckrackers
Booker T. Washington
Progressive Umbrella Project Grading Rubric
Names: ___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Due Date: ________
Display of Reforms:…………………………………….
Accuracy of information
No spelling or grammar errors
All reforms present
Pd: _______
65 Total Points
Group Evaluation
Teacher
_____
/20
Creativity of Design……………………………………… _____
Effective use of Color
Different Mediums/Materials Used
Meaningful & Symbolic Representation of Reforms
/10
Neatness…………………………………………………
_____
Easily Readable
Large, Clear Writing or Typing (Font size 22+)
Quality Finished Appearance
/ 10
Presentation to Class……………………………………
Strong Voices
Good Eye Contact
Well mannered Composure
Every person participates
Does not read from Umbrella
/ 15
N/A
Group Teamwork……………………………………….
_____
/ 10
Cooperative Effort
Equal Task Completion
Mature Discussion of Strategies
Keeps all materials organized and brings rubric to presentation.
Group’s Comments:
Teacher’s Comments:
Student RESEARCH ASSIGNMENTS
GROUP ONE
MUCKRAKERS:
a. Lincoln Steffens –
b. Jacob Riis:
c. Ida Tarbell:
NAACP:
REFERENDUM (State level):
HEPBURN ACT:
17th AMENDMENT (Direct election of Senators):
GROUP TWO
ROBERT LAFOLETTE (“Fighting Bob”):
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON:
RECALL (State only):
ARBITRATION AND THE U.M.W (United Mine Workers):
18th AMENDMENT enforced by the Volstead Act:
GROUP THREE
EUGENE DEBS:
ELECTION OF 1912:
PURE FOOD AND DRUG ACT:
CONSERVATIONISM (modern environmentalism):
WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION (State reform):
GROUP FOUR
FLORENCE KELLY:
REFORM IN CITY GOVERNMENT:
Teddy Roosevelt’s “SQUARE DEAL”:
WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT:
UNDERWOOD TARIFF:
GROUP FIVE
19TH AMENDMENT (Women’s Suffrage) -
DIRECT PRIMARY (State level):
JANE ADDAMS (Hull House):
WOODROW WILSON AND HIS “NEW FREEDOM”:
FEDERAL RESERVE ACT:
GROUP SIX
W.E.B. DUBOIS: .
INITIATIVE (State level)
MARGARET SANGER:
16TH AMENDMENT (Income Tax):
.
CLAYTON ANTI-TRUST ACT: