Progressivism In The Late 1800s

Progressivism was an era in the late 1800’s in which many reforms were made to industry, living conditions, and politics. This movement gained momentum due in a large part to populism and the Populist Party. This party was among the first, to actively speak out and make attempts at reform. The Omaha Platform was the very beginning of reformation. If it hadn’t been for this party, it can be assumed that there would not be as many regulations and freedoms as there are today. The first attempt at industrial reformation was made by Jane Addams. She attempted to get government officials to reform the industrial conditions. She wanted to put limits on the workday length for men and women. She also wanted to reform the health and safety conditions in factories. She wanted an end to child labor as well. Finally, she wanted to ban home manufacturing. These reforms had very little impact due to factory owners opposing them due to a tax increase. In 1906, thanks to The Jungle, written by Upton Sinclair, came the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food & Drug Act. The Meat
This house served as a social center. It offered a variety of classes to improve education. It also provided health care and child care. Finally, it offered recreational opportunities. This house was very successful at improving living conditions by opening over 400 settlement houses across the country. It also created an overpopulation problem, since over 2000 immigrants visit the Hull House weekly. The next attempt at reformation was through housing reforms. Reformers wanted to have garbage collection, improved water, and improved sewer systems. They also wanted more space for building lots. In addition to that they wanted better ventilation systems, more fireproofing, and a toilet in every apartment. These reforms failed because the owners of the tenement bribed city officials and governments were