Chapter 20 group work

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Florida International University *

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AMH4574

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Dec 6, 2023

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Chapter 20 -- Dissent: Labor and Women's Activism 1. Identify the economic and social ills American farmers and laborers faced between 1890-1900. What movements arose during this decade and what did they advocate as a means to address these ills? From 1890-1900 American farmers and laborers were faced with many economic and social challenges. The challenges encountered throughout this decade included, agricultural surplus, railroad issues, labor laws, unfair banking, and more. To battle the many issues faced in this decade, multiple movements were formed. Some of the more known movements in this timeframe include, the Farmers alliance, the People’s party, Homestead lockout, and other socialist and laborist movements. These movements consisted of walkouts, strikes, lockouts, etc. The Farmers alliance was a group of farmers who shared common interests such as better treatment, better prices for crops, and proper government support. The forming of the Farmers alliance ultimately led to the creation of the People's party(populist party). The People's party was a political party formed by the farmers alliance in 1892, with the purpose of advancing the populists beliefs and ultimately supporting the “regular” people. 2. Describe and explain the labor wars of the 1890's. What conditions and factors contributed to the labor wars? The labor wars of the 1890s were a series of conflicts in the United States between workers and employers. These conflicts would usually result in strikes by the employees. This happened because any workers were being treated unfairly. They worked long shifts with very little pay. Their employers also forced them to work in dangerous conditions without proper protection or insurance. Workers formed together to fight for better rights and better pay. As a response to these dire circumstances, labor unions like the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) emerged, aiming to advocate for the rights and improved conditions of workers. Conflicts further escalated because as the workers were going on strike, companies were hiring immigrants who would work for low wages. This led to the Homestead Strike in 1892 and the Pullman Strike in 1894. 3. Characterize the political activism of American women during the last decades of the 19th century? The political activism of American women during the last decades of the 19th century was marked by a spirit of determination and progress. In order to protect their right to vote, equal pay or better working conditions, women have set up associations and groups. The National Association of Women'sSuffrage, established in 1890, was the main force for promoting women's right to vote under the 19th Amendment. Other organizations, such as the GFC for Women's Clubs or the National Consumer League have also advocated labour reform and improved working conditions. Women also pushed for economic reforms that would benefit all citizens. They joined forces with labor unions and wrote letters to Congress in support of legislation that would help working families. The success of these efforts demonstrates the strength and determination of American women during the last decades of the 19th century. Chapter 21— Progressivism 1890-1916 1. What is Progressivism? In what ways did this movement challenge classical liberalism (laissez-faire ideology)? Provide specific examples. Progressivism challenged classical liberalism, or laissez-faire ideology, in several ways. Progressives advocated for government intervention in the economy, as seen in the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, which ensured food and drug safety. They promoted consumer protection laws and supported a social safety net, such as workers' compensation and unemployment insurance, challenging the classical liberal emphasis on minimal government interference. 2. Explain how and why grassroots progressivism arose in the late 19th century? To what extent can it be said that it was successful? To what extent not? Grassroots progressivism emerged in response to Gilded Age inequalities, driven by factors like wealth disparity, poor working conditions, and corporate influence. Muckrakers and reformers exposed these issues, inspiring citizen-led movements. Political reforms like direct senatorial elections and initiatives allowed citizens to influence government policies. Successes included legislation like the Clayton Antitrust Act
and the Federal Reserve Act, along with improvements in child labor laws, workplace safety, and women's suffrage. However, grassroots progressivism had limitations, particularly in addressing racial inequality, often failing to benefit marginalized groups fully. Additionally, not all progressive goals were fully realized, and some reforms faced opposition from powerful interests. In summary, grassroots progressivism was a response to late 19th-century challenges, achieving significant successes in reforming American society but also facing limitations in addressing certain issues and groups. 3. Identify how President Theodore Roosevelt put his progressive activism to work during his tenure. Provide specific examples. As president, he achieved major reforms, advocated conservation and antitrust lawsuits, and championed the nation’s center of power from Wall Street to Washington. With a progressive mentality against the conversationism. President Roosevelt criticized the “Trusts” and monopoly companies as “Standard Oil”, and ordered his attorney general to begin a secret antitrust investigation against monopolistic practices to “Northern Securities Company” that monopolized railroad traffic on Northwest. From Wall Street JP Morgan tried to stop the actions of President T. Roosevelt by “bribery” but President T. Roosevelt refused those actions and was against those practices. President T. Roosevelt put into use the Sherman Law against 43 trusts. 4. Describe how and why President Wilson became a “reluctant Progressive”? What reforms and legislation did Wilson promote? On his political campaign he promised to use antitrust legislations to get rid of big corporations and to give small business and farmers better opportunities in the marketplace, with the his campaign slogan “The New Freedom”. Wilson exerted leadership to achieve banking reform, as JP Morgan had acted virtually as a fourth branch o f the government, called in to keep the country’s finances afloat in times of panic, but during Wilson presidency, the Morgan’s power came under close security. And a committee investigated the “money trust”. As a consequence the creation of “The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 marked the most significant piece of domestic legislation of Wilson’s presidency. He rebuffed labor’s demand for an end to court injunctions against labor unions. Also, refused to support child labor legislation or woman suffrage. What were the limits of progressive reform? What organizations offered more radical views for America? The basic conservatism compared with the radical movements of socialism, radical labor, and birth control, and by looking at the groups progressive reform left out, including women, Asians, and African Americans. The Industrial Workers of the Work (IWW) is dedicated to organizing the most destitute segment of the workforce. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) which is a coalition of Black and white activists that sought legal and political rights for African Americans through the courts. And the birth control movement as a means of social change
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