Progressivism and the Wisconsin Idea

In the first quarter of the twentieth century, Wisconsin leaders began to seek new answers to problems caused by an increasingly industrial and technological society. To a people born and raised mostly on farms, the explosive growth of cities, rising importance of large-scale industry, transformation of the workforce by new immigrants and rigid class stratification, and the overall speed of daily life brought uncertainty and confusion. In other states social movements such as the Greenback Party and Populist Party tried to address these changes, but little was accomplished in Wisconsin until after the year 1900 when "Progressives" gained control of... more...

Original Documents and Other Primary Sources

	A survey of progressive politics in Wisconsin, 1934
	A journalist reviews Progressive achievements, 1900-1930.
	Wisconsin passes worker's compensation law, 1911.
	Charles McCarthy, architect of progressive reforms, is recalled.
	A survey of socialist viewpoints, 1918
	Wisconsin voting and civil rights legislation, 1846-1929.
	Campaign literature from Robert La Follette
	A water glass used by Teddy Roosevelt after being shot, 1912
	A miniature kit teaches mothers about safe homebirths, 1938
	A short history of prison industries, 1852-2002
	A brief summary of women's suffrage legislation in the U.S. and abroad, 1907
	A Milwaukee woman urges woman and child labor reform, 1899.
	Progressive Era educators design the ideal school, 1907
	The "Traveling Libraries" program in Wisconsin, 1897
	Conditions in state prisons, schools, and hospitals, 1955
	A guide to Progressivism for women voters, 1922
	Madison women produce a cookbook to help poor children, 1894
	Lawmakers try to end prostitution in 1914
	Francis E. McGovern, Progressive Era governor.
	The lumber company makes its case against Deitz, 1906
	"Aunt Nellie" offers advice to farm women, 1912-1918
	John Deitz makes his case, 1906
	A co-operative creamery spurs the growth of dairying in Prentice
	Wisconsin State Capitol
	Home of John R. Commons

Primary Sources Available Elsewhere

	"The Wisconsin Idea" (1912)
	A Republican politician describes changes in government regulating powers
	The autobiography of John R. Commons (1934)
	State regulations for women workers, 1920
	Wisconsin Blue Books
	Labor and truancy laws for women and children, 1912
	A history of women's education at the University of Wisconsin
	What girls need to know to contribute to society in 1913
	Documents relating to child welfare organizations

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