American History Tellers: The Progressive Era | The Call | Episode 3

Overview

In Episode 3 of American History Tellers, hosted by Lindsay Graham and produced by Wondery, the focus shifts to the complexities of the Progressive Era—a time marked by significant social reforms, political upheaval, and intense racial and labor struggles. This episode, titled "The Call," delves into the racial tensions, legislative battles, and key personalities that shaped America in the early 20th century. Through vivid storytelling and detailed reenactments, the episode examines how progressive reforms both advanced and hindered civil rights, setting the stage for the modern civil rights movement.

1. The Brownsville Incident and Roosevelt's Response

November 1906, Washington, D.C.: Civil rights activist Mary Church Terrell meets with Secretary of War William Howard Taft to address the unjust discharge of Black soldiers in Texas. President Theodore Roosevelt had dishonorably discharged three all-Black companies without a trial, citing rumors and prejudice following an alleged shooting in Brownsville, Texas.

• Terrell's Plea:

  “Well, sir, I’m asking that you suspend the order until a proper investigation can be made.”
  [00:00]

• Taft’s Reluctant Support:

  “Listen, I’ll do what I can. I’ll try to counsel the President to delay the order.”
  [04:25]

Despite Taft's efforts to mitigate the situation, Roosevelt remained steadfast:

• Roosevelt’s Declaration:

  “I care nothing whatever for the yelling of either the politicians or the sentimentalists. The offense was most heinous and the punishment I inflicted was imposed after due deliberation.”
  [04:25]

Roosevelt's rigid stance intensified resentment within the Black community, leading to widespread condemnation from Black churches and activists like W.E.B. Du Bois.

2. San Francisco Japanese School Segregation and the Gentleman's Agreement

October 1906, San Francisco, California: Amidst the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, racial tensions led the San Francisco school board to segregate Japanese students, sparking international outrage.

• Victor Metcalf’s Intervention:

  “Sometimes local decisions have global consequences.”
  [04:25]

Roosevelt intervened to preserve diplomatic relations with Japan, leading to the Gentleman's Agreement in February 1907. This agreement resulted in the repeal of the segregation order and limited Japanese immigration, averting a potential crisis but failing to address underlying racial prejudices.

• Roosevelt’s Address to Congress:

  “The actions of the school board are a wicked absurdity.”
  [04:25]

This incident highlighted Roosevelt's contradictory views on race—celebrating individual Black achievements while upholding racial hierarchies.

3. Racial Violence and the Formation of the NAACP

August 1908, Springfield, Illinois: Race riots erupted when a mob attacked Black prisoners and their communities, resulting in lynchings and widespread destruction despite minimal evidence against the accused Black men.

• William English Walling’s Reflection:

  “If these outrages had happened 30 years ago, what would not have happened in the North?”
  [04:25]

In response to such racial atrocities, progressive reformers like Walling and Mary White Ovington organized an interracial conference in February 1909, leading to the formation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This organization became a cornerstone of the modern civil rights movement, advocating for legal action against discriminatory practices and promoting racial equality.

4. Voter Suppression and Progressive Reforms

Progressive-era reforms aimed to curb electoral corruption but often resulted in the disenfranchisement of marginalized groups:

• Implementation of Voter Registration Laws: Progressive states introduced personal registration laws, secret ballots, and literacy tests to reduce electoral fraud. However, these measures disproportionately affected poor citizens and immigrants, limiting their voting rights.

• Impact on Minority Communities:

  “You don't read the news? You're supposed to register in advance.”
  [04:25]

These reforms, while intended to create a more responsible electorate, inadvertently suppressed minority participation, highlighting the era's complex interplay between reform and exclusion.

5. The Women's Suffrage Movement and Internal Debates

The early 20th century saw a resurgence in the women's suffrage movement, driven by wage-earning women who sought practical reforms:

• Florence Kelly’s Advocacy:

  “We use our innate morals and motherly instincts to cleanse society of corruption and excess.”
  [04:25]

Organizations like the Equality League of New York and the Women’s Trade Union League championed pragmatic approaches to suffrage, aligning the movement with broader progressive goals. However, internal debates emerged as some female workers feared that protective legislation would lead to lower wages and limited job opportunities.

• Conflict Within the Movement:

  “If I can't work as many hours as the men, no one will hire me.”
  [04:25]

This tension underscored the challenges of balancing progressive ideals with the economic realities faced by working women.

6. Florence Kelly and Labor Reforms

Florence Kelly emerged as a pivotal figure in labor reform, advocating for the protection of women and children in the workforce:

• Kelly’s Achievements: As Illinois’s first chief factory inspector, Kelly successfully lobbied for laws limiting women’s working hours, although these were initially repealed. Undeterred, she supported Louis Brandeis in the landmark Mueller v. Oregon case, which established the state's right to regulate women’s labor hours.

• Impact of Mueller v. Oregon: This Supreme Court ruling not only protected women workers but also set a precedent for social science research in legal arguments, highlighting the era's progressive blend of activism and legal strategy.

7. The 1908 Presidential Election and Roosevelt's Legacy

As President Roosevelt approached the end of his term, he sought to ensure the continuation of his progressive agenda by endorsing William Howard Taft as his successor:

• Roosevelt’s Trust in Taft:

  “He is as fine a fellow as ever sat in the president's chair.”
  [04:25]

Despite Roosevelt’s confidence, Taft's presidency diverged from his mentor’s progressive zeal, leading to significant political friction and ultimately Roosevelt's return to politics. This transition highlighted the fragile nature of progressive reforms and the enduring tensions within the Republican Party.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• Mary Church Terrell to Taft:

  “Well, sir, I’m asking that you suspend the order until a proper investigation can be made.”
  [00:00]

• President Roosevelt:

  “I care nothing whatever for the yelling of either the politicians or the sentimentalists. The offense was most heinous and the punishment I inflicted was imposed after due deliberation.”
  [04:25]

• W.E.B. Du Bois:

  “What have we to thank Roosevelt for? For asking a black man to dine with him?... Mr. Roosevelt, by his word and deed since has slammed this door most emphatically in the black man's face.”
  [04:25]

• William English Walling:

  “If these outrages had happened 30 years ago, what would not have happened in the North?”
  [04:25]

Conclusion

Episode 3 of American History Tellers masterfully unpacks the multifaceted nature of the Progressive Era, illustrating how progressive reforms simultaneously advanced and obstructed social justice. Through detailed narratives and poignant quotes, the episode sheds light on the era’s enduring legacy in shaping modern American society. As the nation grappled with issues of race, labor, and political reform, the seeds planted during this time would eventually blossom into the civil rights movements of the mid-20th century.

Next Episode Preview

In the upcoming episode, the series will explore a controversy at the Department of the Interior that ignites a bitter feud within the Republican Party. Additionally, the rise of socialism in politics and a violent strike in the textile mills of Lawrence, Massachusetts, will be examined, further illustrating the tumultuous landscape of the Progressive Era.

This summary captures the essential discussions, key events, and notable quotes from Episode 3 of "American History Tellers," providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and those seeking to understand the complexities of the Progressive Era.