Progressivism
The attempts of
reformers to solve
political, economic, and
social problems became
known as the Progressive
Movement
 Voting—a fundamental
part of democracy
 President Theodore
Roosevelt (1901-1909)

– Republican
– Progressive Reforms aka
“Square Deal”
– Nicknamed the “Trustbuster” and “Bull Moose”
Galveston Reforms City Government
After the storm of 1900,
Galveston moved from a
government with a mayor
and a city council to a
commission form of
government
 Five commissioners made
the city laws, and each
member was in charge of
a city department, such
as police, fire, or water.
 Many Texas cities soon
adopted this form of
government, as did cities
across the nation.

The Terrell Election Law (1903)
Required major
political parties to
hold primary elections
to select the party’s
official candidates
 Called for secret
ballots
 Restricted
campaigning near
polling booths

Arguments for
Women’s Suffrage
If a woman could be held
legally responsible for her
actions, she should be able to
vote.
 If women had the right to
vote:

 they would be more effective in
their traditional roles
 they could vote for better
schools, more playgrounds, safer
parks, and improved public
health
Opposition to
Women’s Suffrage
Women had no need
to vote
 Men represent and
protect women’s
rights
 Women involved in
politics would neglect
their homes and
children

Women Gain the Right to Vote



In 1918, Texas women made
a deal with the new governor,
William P. Hobby. They
promised to support him in his
election if he would sign a bill
allowing women to vote in
primaries.
Hobby agreed, women voted
for the first time, and he won
by a landslide.
In 1920, the 19th Amendment
to the U.S. Constitution
granted full voting rights to
women.
Gov. William P. Hobby
Arguments for Prohibition
Alcohol was at the center of
many social problems
 Saloons were associated
with gambling and crime
 Men would spend their
money on alcohol, leaving
their family without money
to live
 Supported by Women’s
Christian Temperance
Union (WCTU), Anti-Saloon
League, and various church
groups

Opposition to Prohibition
 The
brewing industry
 Saloons
 Conservatives who
opposed a strong
federal government
 Many immigrants
from Italy and
Germany
Prohibition Laws
In 1918, Texas approved a
statewide prohibition law
making it illegal to make
and sell alcohol in Texas.
 In 1919 the 18th
Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution made
prohibition the law of the
land.
 The 18th Amendment was
an unpopular law and it
was eventually repealed in
1933.

Populism



Texas People’s Party
(or Populist Party)
Their goal was to
create government
policies that benefitted
farmers.
Welcomed African
American farmers,
including J.B. Rayner, a
former slave who
became a successful
writer, politician, and
educator.
Evangelical Movement
Progressives focused on social
morality, a return to religion, and
community service.
 The Young Men’s Christian
Association (Y.M.C.A.) was a very
influential organization that
successfully promoted “daily
evangelical Christianity,” while
promoting good sportsmanship in
athletic contests in gyms.

Discrimination

Jim Crow Laws
 Minorities had inadequate
housing and segregated
schools lacking basic
equipment/supplies
 Ku Klux Klan was a
politically powerful group
 1902 - Democratic Party
requires payment of a poll
tax and adopts a “whites
only” restriction for the
primary election
 NAACP and mutualistas
are formed to create
racial equality and
provide community
service