Part 3, Chapter 7 Change in Major Summary

Smith and Moses come from different backgrounds. Moses comes from an upper class background and Smith comes from the slums, brought up in a working class family. Smith's father dies when he is young. He leaves grade school at thirteen to work and help support is family. In 1896 he obtains his first job in politics and in 1903 he wins his first election.

A sweatshop fire results in the death of 141 women. There is an investigation of the working conditions in the factory and Smith is on the committee. Smith fights to have the committee's recommendations for reforms passed. They are adopted in that session's legislature and 1914 sees the election of a Republican legislature. In 1918, Smith is elected governor, supporting Progressivism and working for reforms. "Smith had no patience for those who didn't understand those reasons...