Progressivism Essay, Research Paper

ProgressivismThe period of time between the Spanish-American War and World War I is known as the Progressive Era. It was a period marked by idealism, reform, and significant economic growth. Progressivism was a movement designed to correct the abuses which reformers felt had crept into American society and government, as a result of industrialization and urbanization. Progressivism was the outcome of a number of forces in American life. The reform spirit of the 1880’s and 1890’s was still strong, despite the collapse of the Populist Party after the election of 1896. After the hard times of the 1890’s, many Americans were anxious for a better life and supported reforms intended to achieve this. The middle class, frightened by the economic unrest of the 1890’s and the actions of giant business organizations, was more willing to accept progressive reforms than it had been earlier. After the quick victory in the Spanish-American War, there was a new feeling of confidence in the nation=s future. Progressivism had many aims. The general aims of Progressivism were as follows: to extend political democracy by shifting control of government from the political bosses and powerful industrialists to the people; to curb the power of big businessmen, in order to give greater economic opportunities to small business and labor; and to eliminate the social ills of society through needed reforms. Although the aims of Progressivism were shared by all Progressivists, support came from many different groups. Progressives came from both major parties, as well as from minor or third parties. Important political leaders in the movement included Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, and Governors Robert La Follette, Charles Evans Hughes, and Hiram

Johnson. Support came from the farm, because the farmers wanted their problems to be recognized. Support came from artists and writers, who wrote stories about social ills. These sensationalists, known as Amuckrakers@, wrote about many different societal problems. Lincoln Steffens wrote AA Shame of Cities.@ Ida Tarbell wrote, AHistory of Standard Oil Co.@ Other writers, such as Upton Sinclair, wrote about bad working conditions and unhygienic procedure in his book AThe Jungle.@ There was much support from urban middle-class members. They were in fear of big business, and wanted to join a movement which would strive to protect them. There were many achievements accomplished by the Progressive Movement. Progressivism accomplished many things. Political democracy was extended by initiative, referendum, recall, and the short ballot. The Seventeenth Amendment was passed and provided for the direct election of U.S. Senators. The Nineteenth Amendment gave the franchise to women to permit the selection of party candidates by registered voters. Many limitations and restrictions were placed on trusts. Monopolies were prosecuted and the Clayton Act was passed. The Federal Trade Commission Act was passed as well. Many laws which safeguarded labor and the public were enacted. More adequate factory and building inspection codes were adopted, greater provisions were made for sanitation and public health, and Congress enacted the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act which further improved the quality of foods. The Progressive Era did many great things for society. It improved the quality of life, and of living. Through the support of many different types of people, Progressivism was a major success.