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Was Mississippi A Part of Progressivism? (lesson plan)
Karla Smith, Biloxi, Mississippi
OVERVIEW
Progressivism was a political movement that originated as a response
to the economic, political, and social problems brought about by industrialization.
Poverty, child labor, unsafe factories, and crowded living conditions
are just a few of the issues that Progressives worked diligently to
reform. Mississippi led the nations in two areas of Progressive concern,
but lagged behind the nation in the areas of woman suffrage and race
relations. Progressivism came to a close in the state of Mississippi
as well as the nation as the United States entered World War I. The
success of this political movement can be seen in the state and federal
legislation that was enacted during the height of the movement.
CURRICULAR CONNECTIONS
Mississippi Studies Framework: Competencies: 1 and 3.
TEACHING LEVELS
Grades 7 through 12.
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
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Mississippi History Now article |
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Chalk and chalkboard |
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Overhead and transparency |
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Chart |
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Notebook paper, pencil and pen |
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Unlined paper |
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Resource/reference books |
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Colored pencils and markers |
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Computer |
OBJECTIVES
| Students will: |
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Identify the public concerns of Progressivism. |
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Determine Mississippi’s reaction
to the public concerns of the Progressive movement. |
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Evaluate the need for reform in the
areas of Progressive concern. |
OPENING THE LESSON
Ask for student volunteers to reflect upon the social ills or problems
brought about by the industrialization and urbanization of society (example:
child labor, lack of benefits, poor working conditions, epidemics, etc.).
Explain to the students that a political movement called Progressivism
came about in the early 1900s to address these problems. Tell the class
that their own state of Mississippi led the nation in addressing the
reform of two of these social problems. The results of this movement,
to the reforming of problems, can serve as an example to students to
become more socially aware and active in their community, state, and
nation.
DEVELOPING THE LESSON
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Display the following chart on an overhead transparency
or the chalkboard. This chart can also be duplicated and
handed out individually to students. Have the students use
the Mississippi History Now article to determine
how Mississippi reacted to Progressive issues. The students
may work individually or with partners for this portion
of the lesson.
After the students have completed the chart, ask for student
volunteers to share their answers. The answers can be recorded
on the chalkboard or an overhead transparency.
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Progressive
Concerns |
| Progressive
Issues |
Mississippi's
Reactions |
| Political Power
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| Alcoholism |
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| Child Labor |
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| Roads |
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| Public Health |
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| Juvenile Justice
|
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| Woman Suffrage |
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| Race
Relations |
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Divide the class into eight groups. Assign each
group one of the topics listed on the Progressive Concerns chart.
Instruct each group to research these topics. |
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Using information collected through the group research,
have students draft letters to either President Theodore Roosevelt
or President Woodrow Wilson concerning the need for reform in
these areas. The teacher may need to review the formatting rules
for business letters to public officials with the class. |
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In addition to the business letter, or instead
of the writing activity, students can create a presentation on
one of the eight topics listed on the chart. Have the student
groups create posters, a written report as well as an oral presentation
on these progressive issues. Students should include bibliography
information in their formal report. Through the research and presentation
of these topics, the students should not only show the nature
of these social issues, but also the need for reform in these
areas. They should also refer to any state or federal laws enacted
due to these concerns. |
CLOSING THE LESSON
Allow each student group to read their letter to the class and/or present
their presentation to the class.
ASSESSING STUDENT LEARNING
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Class participation |
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Chart |
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Letter |
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Presentation/formal reports |
EXTENDING THE LESSON
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Invite a public official to class in order to
explain the primary system. |
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Invite a guest speaker from the local health department
to talk about public health procedures and concerns. |
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Allow the students to research the lives of the
national and state leaders mentioned in the Mississippi History
Now article. |
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Students can create cartoons concerning one of the Progressive
topics. |
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