Philosophy of pragmatism - why do progressives embrace it?
Pragmatism argued that ideas should be judged by their practical results, not ideology. They embraced it because they wanted practical solutions to industrial problems. They believed government should experiment with reforms, and they rejected the laissez faire ideology. They supported policies that “worked” rather than rigid constitutional interpretation.
Scientific management / Taylorism
developed by Frederick Winslow Taylor, it applied scientific study to increase worker productivity. Broke jobs into small, repetitive tasks. Timed workers to find the “one best way” and while this increased efficiency it often dehumanized workers. It reflected progressive faith in science and efficiency, but workers often resented it.
Muckrakers
these were journalists who exposed corruption and social problems. They helped build public support for reform and pressure government to regulate business.
Ida Tarbell
wrote “the history of the standard oil company”. This exposed the monopolist practices of standard oil and led to antitrust action from government.
Philosophy of pragmatism
associated with thinkers like William James and john Dewey. It’s this idea that truth is judged by practical results. The progressives liked it because if a reform worked and improvised society, it was good - no need to stick to tradition. It supported experimentation in government and reform.
Scientific management
created by Frederick Winslow Taylor. It applies scientific principles to increase factory efficiency. It broke jobs into small tasks and timed the workers. While it increased productivity it also alienated the workers.
Muckrakers
journalists who exposed corruption and social problems. Helped build support for progressive reforms. This included Ida Tarbell who exposed standard oil company. Jacob Riis who wrote how the other half lives on urban poverty. Lincoln Steffens exposed city political corruption. Upon Sinclair wrote the jungle exposing meatpacking conditions.
direct primary
this was a reform allowing voters to choose party candidates directly instead of party bosses. It reduces political machines power.
Fighting bob la follette
progressive governors of Wisconsin. Supported direct primaries, regulation of railroads, and tax reform.
16th to 19th amendments
16th - income tax, 17th - direct election of senators, 18th - prohibition, 19th - women’s suffrage
Initiative, referendum, recall
Initiative - citizens propose laws, referendum - citizens vote on laws, recall - remove elected officials. This increased direct democracy.
Lochner v New York
Supreme Court struck down maximum work hours law. Said it violated freedom of contract. Example of court protecting business interests.
Muller v Oregon
Upheld limits on women’s work hours. Used social science evidence. Showed shift toward accepting regulation.
Roosevelt “good” vs “Bad” trusts
Theodore believed good trusts = efficient and fair, and bad trusts = abused power. Used Sherman antitrust action to break up harmful ones.
Interstate commerce commission
created in 1887, regulated railroad rates, first federal regulator agency
Pure food and drug act and meat inspection act
passed under Roosevelt, required accurate labeling of food/drugs. Government inspection of meat plants. Response to upton Sinclairs the jungle
Bull Moose Party
progressive party led by Theodore Roosevelt. Supported women’s suffrage, social welfare, stronger regulation. Split republican vote helped Wilson win.
Wilsons new freedom - “triple wall of privilege”
- Tariffs, 2. Banks, 3. Trusts. Wanted to break their power.
Underwood tariff
lowered tariff rates, introduced income tax (16th amendment)
NAACP
fought segregation and discrimination. Used legal challenges to fight him crow.
Margaret Sanger
advocated for birth control. Opened first birth control clinic.
American exceptionalism
belief that US has a special mission to spread democracy and liberty. Used to justify expansion.
William Seward and Alaska purchase
bought Alaska from Russia. Called Seward’s folly at first but later was realized that Alaska had a lot more minerals to offer than people realized
