11th Grade US History Standards

The Progressives sought to reform the problems of corruption in government and industry, child labor, discrimination, and the power of the wealthy. They believed that these issues were detrimental to American society and needed to be addressed in order to create a more just and equitable nation. By advocating for political and economic reforms, the Progressives aimed to improve the lives of ordinary citizens and create a fairer and more democratic society.

Plessy vs Ferguson was a landmark US Supreme Court case that upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the "separate but equal" doctrine. This ruling allowed for the legal segregation of public facilities based on race, which had a significant impact on the civil rights movement in the United States.

The Progressive Movement's strongest supporters were in urban parts of the United States, while the Populists were strongest in rural areas. The Progressive Movement aimed to address social and political issues in urban areas, such as corruption, poverty, and inequality. They advocated for reforms in areas like labor rights, women's suffrage, and public health. On the other hand, the Populists primarily represented the interests of farmers and rural communities, focusing on economic issues such as agricultural policies, currency reform, and the regulation of big business. This divide between urban and rural support reflects the different priorities and concerns of these two movements.

The achievements of the Progressives included the implementation of direct primaries, initiatives, referendums, recalls, and the direct election of senators. These reforms aimed to increase the participation of citizens in the political process and reduce the influence of political machines and corrupt practices. Direct primaries allowed voters to directly choose their party's candidates, while initiatives and referendums gave citizens the power to propose and vote on laws. Recalls provided a mechanism for removing elected officials from office if they were deemed unfit. Finally, the direct election of senators ensured that senators were chosen by the people rather than state legislatures.

Theodore Roosevelt's "Square Deal" platform emphasized personal ethics, fairness, and adherence to the spirit of the law. This means that Roosevelt believed in promoting ethical behavior, treating people fairly, and ensuring that laws were followed in both letter and spirit. He aimed to create a level playing field for all individuals, ensuring equal opportunity and fairness in society.