Chapter 17 section 1 critical thinking #3

In what ways might Illinois, Wisconsin, and Oregon all be considered trailblazers in progressive reform? Support your answers. Think About:
• legislative and electoral reforms at the state level
• the leadership of William U’Ren and Robert La Follette
• Florence Kelley’s appointment as chief inspector of factories for Illinois



Illinois, Wisconsin, and Oregon can all be considered trailblazers in progressive reform because of the reasons following. Oregon started a reform in the elections by introducing the initiative, the referendum, and recalls. An initiative is a bill originated by the people on the ballots. A referendum is a vote on the initiative by the people on whether or not to reject it. Last but not least a Recall is when voters remove an officer from public office and have a reelection before his term ends, in which it is voted on by the people. Also the leaderships of William U'Ren and Robert La Follette helped contribute. Willian U'Ren introduced the idea of the secret ballot, which was made of the initiative, the referendum, and recalls. He was form Oregon. (pg. 518) Robert La Follette from Wisconsin served 3 years as Governor and then became part of the senate. He attacked railroad companies by taxing them at the same rate as other business property, set up commission to regulate rates, and made it so rail roads could not issues free passes to state officials. (pg.516) Also Florence Kelley helped win the Illinois Factory Act in 1893, which prohibited child labor and limited women's working hours, and became a model for other states.