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Progressive Reformation: Shaping Urban Politics in the Gilded Age

Explore the transformative era of Progressive Reformation tackling political corruption in urban governance during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Learn about key figures, events, and the push for democratic changes that reshaped American politics.

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Progressive Reformation: Shaping Urban Politics in the Gilded Age

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  1. Amanda Ignacz & Anelisa Fergus Reformation: The Progressive Era Reforming the Political Process

  2. Reforming the Political Process • Beginning of progressive era- 1890’s • ‘boss system’=essence of evil to elites & middle classes • NYC- reform ‘spasms’ helped mobilize masses against employers • 1890-1897 Mayor Hazen Pingree: shrewd politician • lower transit fares, equal tax structure, honesty to city hall, public baths (improved quality of life) • Used a quarantine to force business owners to back his reforms

  3. Reforming the Political Process • 1907- Abe Reuf (corrupt business owner) in court-Hiram Johnson takes over after original prosecutor was embarassed • Johnson called ”A volcano in perpetual eruption”- • Johnson was CA governor in 1910 and in U.S. Senate in 1916

  4. Reforming the Political Process • Samuel M. “Golden Rule” Jones- led reformation in Toledo, Ohio • He introduced profit sharing in his factory • Returned as mayor and made playgrounds, a free kindergarten, lodging houses for the homeless, and open air churches for all faiths

  5. Reforming the Political Process • Reformation attacks the roots of urban misgovernment • Roots are uncontrolled private monopolies that control water, gas, and electricity and public transportation • Reformers pass laws to regulate above utilities • Mayor Johnson of Cleveland “the best mayor of the best governed city in the United States”

  6. Reforming the Political Process • Want structural changes in the city government • Vote for mayors • Galveston, Texas after hurricane adopted a city commission • Dayton, Ohio became a city-manager system after flood

  7. Reforming the Political Process • Who were reformers? • Middle class clergymen, newspaper editors • Businesses supported city wide elections • Wanted to improve “ municipal services”for urban dwellers

  8. Reforming the Political Process • Reform expanded to state level • Secret ballots • No peer pressure • Direct primaries • Voters narrow candidates, not officials

  9. Reforming the Political Process • Initiative • Citizens propose legislation • Referendum • Polls to vote on controversial legislation • Recall • Vote to remove elected officials from office and replace them

  10. Reforming the Political Process • Changes intended to further democratize American government and voting • Sadly these changes weakened party loyalty and reduced voter interest

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