Primary Source Learning: Progressive Era Primary Source Set

City Hall, Brooklyn, showing the elevated railroad and the site of the new subway station
Have students use the primary sources in this set to tell a story about the period 1900-1929. The Progressive Era was one of economic growth and prosperity but also one in which many worked to make American society a better and safer place through environmental, business and government reforms. The story about this time of growth and reform may be in digital or print form. It could be nonfiction, fiction, poetry, or even a song. Click on each thumbnail image below to access the full size primary source. You may also use this primary set for a found poetry activity (click the previous link). Be sure to take a look at the Progressive Era to New Era timeline as well as associated lesson plans (see below).

Housing conditions, Rear of Republican St. Providence, Rhode IslandHousing conditions Providence, Rhode Island First flight, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
First flight, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Interior of J. S. Farrand Packing Company, Baltimore, Md.
J. S. Farrand Packing Company, Baltimore, Maryland

Eskimos, five adults and one infant, sitting in an automobileEskimos sitting in an automobile

Prohibition Prohibition “bust”

Suffrage parade, New York City, May 6, 1912
Suffrage parade, New York City, May 6, 1912

"Over the top" - American soldiers answering the bugle call to "charge"
“Over the top” – American soldiers answering the bugle call to “charge”
Buy War Bonds. Pave the way to victoryBuy War Bonds. Pave the way to victory Ku Klux Klan parade, Washington, D.C., Sept. 13, 1926
Ku Klux Klan parade, Washington, D.C., 09/13/1926

Leading the Klu [sic] Klux Klan paradeLeading the Klu [sic] Klux Klan parade

New York. Ellis Island
New York. Ellis Island

Children pointing at movie poster for Uncle Sam
Children pointing at movie poster for Uncle Sam

 
Letter, Wilbur Wright to Octave ChanuteLetter, Wilbur Wright to Octave Chanute
Help to Save the Famous Hetch-Hetchy Valley
Help to Save the Hetch-Hetchy Valley
Do You Know?
Do you know? by Carrie Chapman Catt
Will live forever by E. N. Haag
Will live forever by E. N. Haag

Great Railway Strike
The Great Railroad Strike of 1894

Why the trusts and bosses oppose the Progressive Party
Why the trusts and bosses oppose the Progressive Party

Related teaching resources

Primary source sets by time period