REFORM MOVEMENTS
(This is an OLD ESSAY)
Topic #7 – Progressive Era:
Task:
Describe the conditions or specific problems that created the need for reform
during the Progressive Era
Explain how the reformers addressed these problems
Analyze how effective the reformers were in solving these problems
Body 1 – One problem that created the need for reform during the Progressive Era was:
Political Corruption
A) “Boss Tweed” and Tammany Hall controlled NYC government.
1) Has immigrants vote for him when they aren’t citizens – influences
their votes by giving them food baskets as they get off their boats.
2) Has people vote more than once
3) Uses the gangs of NY to influence / terrorize opponents
B) Monopolists / Trusts controlled politicians
1) Robber Barons became excessively wealthy because they dominated
their industries. Ex. John D. Rockefeller – owner of Standard Oil Trust – horizontal monopoly – Richest man in US history. Andrew Carnegie – owner of Carnegie Steel – vertical monopoly – 2nd richest man in US history
2) Used money to bribe politicians & judges
3) Keppler’s political cartoon, “Bosses of the Senate” shows how trusts,
like the coal & sugar trusts, controlled the US Senate. “Vulture’s Roost” also depicted the power of Big Business over the Senate.
Body 1 - The reformers addressed these problems.:
A) Muckrakers, like Tom Nast – a political cartoonist in the NYC newspapers, exposed
corruption
B) 17th Amendment was ratified – direct election of US Senators
C) 16th Amendment was ratified – Income Tax
D) 19th Amendment was ratified – Women’s Suffrage
E) Recall, referendum, secret ballot, & direct primary become part of the political
process
Body 1 - The reformers were VERY EFFECTIVE in solving these problems.:
A) “Boss Tweed” is removed from office and put in jail. His ring of corruption is
broken up.
B) Allowing more people to vote (women) while limiting...