Memphis, Tennessee, early 20th Century
Progressive Era (1890-1920)
The "Progressive Era" saw improvements to the lives of workers and citizens. Life at this time, was cruel, brutish and short (to quote philosopher Thomas Hobbs) or as blues signer Johnny Winter put it "Life is hard and then you die". Cities were crowded and polluted; industrial work was dangerous and unregulated; corporations and wealthy families made huge fortunes while a large population of workers were very poor. Important historical figures: Upton Sinclair, Lewis Hines, Ida Tarbell, Teddy Roosevelt, Jane Addams. Key concepts: child labor. immigrant slums, robber barons, worker organization, universal education. Important events: Passage of 19th amendment, Meat Inspection Act, Sherman Anti-Trust Act, formation of American Socialist Party, Hull House, prohibition and its repeal
Outline of Events & Issues |
People of the Time
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Notes and Quiz on Progressive Era
There were improvements in working conditions at this time, however many workers paid with their flesh and blood for this to happen as protests often turned violent. Was the government truly "progressive" or were they forced to change?
Important Concepts
Child labor. immigrant slums, robber barons, worker organization, universal education.
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Notable Figures
Important historical figures: Upton Sinclair, Lewis Hines, Ida Tarbell, Teddy Roosevelt, Jane Addams.
Music of the Progressive Era
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