Progressive Era
The Progressive era (1890-1920) was a time of great change in the country. A group of people known as the Progressives were focused on changing the countries' policies and to go against the unfair and corrupt injustices of the government. The Progressives used photographs to show the people of America the extent of the injustices of the government, these people were called "Muckrakers". These pictures of the "Muckrakers" were designed to influence the public in to join and support the Progressive era and to realize the corruption of the government. The Progressives wanted the government to be open about the in balance of wealth and social status of people in the country. They wanted the government to realize the social inequality that was taking place and focused a lot of their time on the laws regarding child labor and women's rights. The Progressives wanted to make child labor illegal and have women gain more rights such as, women's suffrage. The "Muckrakers" were able to display these social injustices and inequalities through photographs, showing the hardships and cruelty americans were facing. The Progressives helped to get America back on its feet during a time of corruption and hardship.
Young boy working at a factory. History Place Exhibit: Child Labor in America (1908-1912)
young kids working at a coal mine. History Place Exhibit: Child Labor in America (1908-1912)
Women forced to sleep in a crowded room. Museum of the City of New York: (24 page web collection)
Many families had to stay in a crowded one room apartment. http://collections.mcny.org/Explore/Highlights/Jacob%20A.%20Riis/Page1
Sleeping quarters were very harsh. http://collections.mcny.org/Explore/Highlights/Jacob%20A.%20Riis/Page1