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Understanding Progressivism (1890-1920)

Progressivism was a period of intense reform between 1890 and 1920 in the United States that aimed to develop a better society. Reformers, muckrakers, and women's suffrage activists drove reforms to increase democracy, efficient government, business regulation, social justice, and expose corruption. Reforms included curbing unfair business practices, reducing corruption, and improving labor protections and standards of living. One success was muckraker Ida Tarbell exposing corruption in Standard Oil, influencing President Theodore Roosevelt to expand federal power and support unions.

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12 views3 pages

Understanding Progressivism (1890-1920)

Progressivism was a period of intense reform between 1890 and 1920 in the United States that aimed to develop a better society. Reformers, muckrakers, and women's suffrage activists drove reforms to increase democracy, efficient government, business regulation, social justice, and expose corruption. Reforms included curbing unfair business practices, reducing corruption, and improving labor protections and standards of living. One success was muckraker Ida Tarbell exposing corruption in Standard Oil, influencing President Theodore Roosevelt to expand federal power and support unions.

Uploaded by

Jimmie Kimani
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Progressivism

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Progressivism was the period between 1890 and 1920 in where intense reforms were

affecting the political and social arena in the United States of America which aimed at

developing a better society. The progressives held that the U.S was in a serious crisis that it

could not resolve itself. The main actors in the progressivism movement were reformers,

muckrakers, and women. The reformers such as John Calvin and Martin Luther believed that

progressivism America as a result of greater democracy, efficient government, effective business

regulations, honest, and social justice for the working class. The muckrakers consisted of

investigative journalists who played an important role in exposing social injustices and political

corruption. Women also played a role in the progressivism era where the Women Suffrage

Movement headed by Susan Anthony advocated for women involved in government and the

right to vote.

The reformers used their powers to influence the government in curbing unfair practices,

reduction of corruption rate, and end the negative impact of industrial development. Through

this, the managers and owners of organizations were forced to use ethical practices in their

endeavors of trumping over competition and return on investment. Reformers also aimed at

exposing government corrupt officials and the improvement of societal standards. One of the

achievements of muckrakers such as Ida Tarbell was exposing corrupt leaders in Standard Oil

and Ted Roosevelt who expanded the federal government power and influenced labor unions to

call for the implementation of protection policies for employees who worked in private

industries. This was evident when the pure food and drug act law was passed in 1906. The labor

unions in this era offered a vocal support restriction of immigrants and blamed them for low

wages and poor working conditions. This led to the passing of the Immigration act in 1917 and
the National Quota Law in 1921 which prevented immigrants from different nations such as

those from Asia.

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