To Boss or To Manage?
Part II-Progressive Government Reform

Time needed: 2 hours
In the first two decades of the twentieth century, Progressives began a campaign to overthrow bossism by promoting a city manager form of government. Dayton and Cincinnati were at the forefront of this Progressive reform effort. In Dayton, John H. Patterson led the campaign for government reform, while in Cincinnati, Murray Seasongood was a leading proponent. Read aloud the excerpts from speeches made by Patterson and Seasongood. Discuss.

This governmental reform did not happen automatically or overnight. In Dayton, for example, Patterson and his fellow proponents launched a considerable marketing campaign in order to gain supporters. Other groups (the federalists and the Socialists) also put forward a strong campaign of their own. Review the advertisements issued by these three groups. Complete Handout 1d on reviewing political advertisements. Discuss. Which was more effective? Why?

Photo from the Collection of The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.

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