10.2 Economic and social reforms

Georgia's Progressive Era saw major economic and social reforms aimed at addressing inequality and improving lives. The state established agencies to regulate industries, protect workers, and support agriculture. These efforts had mixed success, facing challenges in enforcement and overcoming entrenched issues.

Reformers like Rebecca Latimer Felton fought for women's rights, education, and prison reform. Organizations like the Georgia Women's Suffrage Association and Georgia Federation of Labor pushed for change. While progress was made, many problems persisted, especially for marginalized groups.

Progressive Era Reforms in Georgia

Economic Reforms

• Georgia Railroad Commission established in 1879 to regulate railroad rates and practices, aiming to address economic inequality and exploitation perpetuated by powerful railroad companies
• Georgia Department of Agriculture created in 1874 to promote and support the state's agricultural industry by providing resources and assistance to farmers
• Child Labor Act of 1906 prohibited the employment of children under the age of 12 in factories and manufacturing establishments, seeking to reduce the exploitation of child labor

Social Reforms

• Georgia Board of Education established in 1870 and compulsory education laws passed in 1916 to increase access to education and reduce illiteracy rates across the state
• Georgia Board of Health created in 1875 and public health initiatives implemented, such as vaccination campaigns and sanitation improvements, to address public health issues and curb the spread of diseases
• Public housing projects developed and housing regulations passed to improve living conditions for low-income families in urban areas
• Georgia State Prison Farm established in 1911 to provide vocational training and rehabilitation for inmates, aiming to reduce recidivism and promote successful reintegration into society
• Georgia Department of Labor created in 1911 to protect workers' rights and improve working conditions, addressing issues such as workplace safety and fair compensation

Effectiveness of Georgia's Reforms

Successes

• Georgia Railroad Commission helped regulate railroad rates and practices, reducing economic inequality and exploitation to some extent
• Georgia Department of Agriculture provided support and resources for farmers, promoting the state's agricultural industry and assisting in its growth
• Child Labor Act of 1906 reduced the exploitation of children in factories and manufacturing establishments, protecting their well-being and rights
• Establishment of the Georgia Board of Education and passage of compulsory education laws increased access to education and reduced illiteracy rates

Limitations

• Georgia Railroad Commission's effectiveness was hindered by lack of enforcement powers and influence of powerful railroad companies
• Small farmers continued to struggle due to factors such as low crop prices, high debt, and limited access to credit, despite support from the Georgia Department of Agriculture
• Child labor laws were not always strictly enforced, and many children continued to work in agriculture and other industries
• Quality of education varied widely, particularly in rural areas, and many children still did not attend school regularly despite increased access
• Access to healthcare remained limited, especially for low-income and rural populations, despite public health initiatives
• Many low-income families continued to live in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, with public housing projects often underfunded and poorly maintained

Reform Advocates in Georgia

Prominent Individuals

• Rebecca Latimer Felton, the first woman to serve in the United States Senate, advocated for women's rights and suffrage in Georgia, as well as reforms in education, child labor, and prison conditions
• W.E.B. Du Bois, a sociologist and civil rights activist, fought against racial discrimination and segregation, helping to establish the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in 1909

Organizations

• Georgia Women's Suffrage Association, founded in 1890, led the fight for women's right to vote in the state through public education and lobbying for suffrage legislation
• Georgia Federation of Labor, established in 1890, advocated for workers' rights and pushed for reforms such as the eight-hour workday, workers' compensation, and improved working conditions
• Georgia Farmers' Union, founded in 1874, represented farmers' interests and advocated for policies benefiting the agricultural industry, including crop diversification and the establishment of agricultural colleges
• Georgia Child Labor Committee, formed in 1901, played a crucial role in advocating for the passage of child labor laws and investigating the conditions of child workers in the state
• Georgia Association of Educators, established in 1926, worked to improve the quality of education by advocating for better teacher pay, smaller class sizes, and improved school facilities