History 2710    MacKay  

Labor, Farmers, and Progressives

We will consider three groups of Americans trying to reform corporate capitalism, politics, quality of life in cities, social justice: Labor, Farmers,  and Progressives. We will consider their efforts to expand democracy and the efforts to regulate capitalism.

Readings:

•  Zinn: 11, 13
•  The 4 Progressive Amendments to the Constitution

Recommended Reading:

• Don't Know Much: 296-302
• Recommended:  History 102: Lectures 7, 8, 10
• Digital History has information about labor and  farmers and progressives.

Discussion Topics:

• How are the Progressive reformers trying to make business more responsible for the welfare of workers, consumers, environment through regulations? With what results?
• What arguments are the Progressive reformers making for expanding democracy? With what results?

Project #4: In 1911, a fire broke out in the Triangle Shirtwaist Company. Until 9/11, it was the largest single-cause disaster in New York City, Explore the Triangle Factory Fire exhibit from Cornell University. How does this site help you understand some of the issues for workers during the Gilded Age?