Progressive Era

Definition

The Progressive Era refers to a period in American history from the 1890s to the 1920s marked by widespread social activism and political reform aimed at addressing the issues caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption in government. This era saw significant changes in policy and thought, with a focus on improving social welfare, expanding democracy, and curbing corporate power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Progressive Era was characterized by a push for reforms such as women's suffrage, labor rights, and antitrust laws to combat corporate monopolies.
2. Key figures of the era included presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, who advocated for progressive reforms at both state and federal levels.
3. The era saw the establishment of various regulatory agencies aimed at overseeing industries, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
4. Progressives believed in using scientific principles and expert knowledge to address social issues, leading to the rise of professional organizations and social sciences.
5. The Progressive Era laid the groundwork for future social movements and reforms, influencing policies well into the mid-20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the Progressive Era address issues of social justice and political corruption?
  • The Progressive Era focused on tackling social justice issues by promoting reforms aimed at improving living conditions, expanding civil rights, and increasing access to education. Activists sought to eliminate political corruption through initiatives like direct primaries, secret ballots, and recall elections. These efforts were meant to create a more responsive government that reflected the will of the people rather than powerful interests.
• Evaluate the role of muckrakers in shaping public opinion during the Progressive Era.
  • Muckrakers played a pivotal role in shaping public opinion by exposing scandals, corruption, and social injustices through investigative journalism. Their writings not only raised awareness among the public but also pressured lawmakers to enact reforms. By bringing hidden issues into the spotlight, muckrakers galvanized support for progressive changes across various sectors, including labor rights and consumer protection.
• Discuss how ideas from the Progressive Era influenced later developments in American economic policy and governance.
  • Ideas from the Progressive Era significantly influenced later developments such as the New Deal by laying a foundation for government intervention in the economy. The belief that government should play an active role in regulating industries and protecting citizens paved the way for policies that aimed to address economic disparities during the Great Depression. Additionally, progressive ideals regarding social welfare continued to inform debates around healthcare, education, and labor rights well into the latter half of the 20th century.

Related terms

Social Gospel Movement: A religious movement that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for social justice and the application of Christian ethics to address societal problems such as poverty and inequality.

Muckrakers: Investigative journalists who played a critical role during the Progressive Era by exposing corruption, social injustices, and the negative effects of industrialization through their writings.

New Deal: A series of programs and reforms introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, building on some of the ideas and reforms initiated during the Progressive Era.