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 journalist reviews Progressive achievements, 1900-1930. |
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| Wisconsin passes the nation's first worker's compensation law, 1911. |
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| Charles McCarthy, architect of progressive reforms, is recalled. |
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| Wisconsin voting and civil rights legislation, 1846-1929. |
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| A survey of progressive politics in Wisconsin, 1934 |
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| Campaign literature from Robert La Follette |
| A miniature kit teaches mothers about safe homebirths, 1938 |
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| A water glass used by Teddy Roosevelt after being shot, 1912 |
| A guide to Progressivism for women voters, 1922 |
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| The "Traveling Libraries" program in Wisconsin, 1897 |
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| Progressive Era educators design the ideal school, 1907 |
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| Conditions in state prisons, schools, and hospitals, 1955 |
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| A short history of prison industries, 1852-2002 |
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| Lawmakers try to end prostitution in 1914 |
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| Madison women produce a cookbook to help poor children, 1894 |
| Francis E. McGovern, Progressive Era governor. |
| The lumber company makes its case against Deitz, 1906 |
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| "Aunt Nellie" offers advice to farm women, 1912-1918 |
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| John Deitz makes his case, 1906 |
| A co-operative creamery spurs the growth of dairying in Prentice |
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| Wisconsin State Capitol |
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| Home of John R. Commons |
Primary Sources Available Elsewhere
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| "The Wisconsin Idea" (1912) |
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| A Republican politician describes changes in government regulating powers |
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| The autobiography of John R. Commons (1934) |
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| State regulations for women workers, 1920 |
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| Wisconsin Blue Books |
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| Labor and truancy laws for women and children, 1912 |
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| A history of women's education at the University of Wisconsin |
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| What girls need to know to contribute to society in 1913 |
| Documents relating to child welfare organizations |
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