The Features Of Progressivism

ASU HST 200 (Historical Themes) The Progressive Movement 1890-1920 The Features Of Progressivism Muckrakers unearthed some of the most heinous scandals and injustices that sprang from the laissez-faire federal government since the end of Reconstruction and the social ills of the Gilded Age. Though a wide range of Americans belonged to Progressive parties and organizations, the majority of these writers wrote for White, middle-class, elite, native-born audiences. However, despite having different backgrounds and motivations, these Progressives shared a set of principles. The majority wanted democracy in its purest form, which meant giving all worthy people the opportunity to vote and barring those judged "unfit" because of their color, health, or educational attainment from entering the political process. Progressives also agreed that democracy ought to be balanced with efficiency, reliance on science and technology, and deference to the wisdom of experts. They looked to the government to regulate the modern free market economy, rejecting party politics in the process. Along with being the agents of social justice and change, they also saw themselves as the protectors and mentors of urban poor people and laborers. Because of their convictions and self-confidence, reformers often ignored the views of the same people they were attempting to help. Grassroots movements became vehicles for these progressive ideas. The federal government did not enact progressive reforms until 1901, the year of Theodore Roosevelt's unexpected election to the president. Before then, progressivism was done by the people, for the people. Progressives were united by the conviction that the country was headed in a dangerous direction and that common Americans needed to take up to help guide it back on track. The Progressive Movement, which took place between 1890 and 1920, was a crucial time in American history marked by extensive political and social change. Fundamentally, progressivism aimed to redress the inequities and disparities that had resulted from the Gilded Age's social upheavals and the government's laissez-faire policies. Investigative journalists known as "muckrakers," or "spy journalists," were instrumental in bringing scandals and injustices that had long been concealed from the public eye to light. While a wide range of people and groups were involved in progressivism, White, middle-class, elite, native-born Americans were its main target audience. Progressives had a unified set of values while having different origins and goals. Above all, they were dedicated to democracy in its purest form, supporting universal suffrage and the exclusion of those judged "unfit" on the basis of their race, health, or educational background, for example. Furthermore, progressives held that efficiency and democracy should coexist, with the former relying on the knowledge of professionals and experts and the latter using the insights of science and technology. The idea that government action is necessary to manage the contemporary free market economy was central to the Progressive agenda. Progressives rejected traditional party politics in favor of limiting capitalism's excesses and making sure that everyone in society had access to economic possibilities. Progressives promoted better working conditions, equitable pay, and social welfare programs because they saw themselves as guardians and mentors of the urban poor and workers in addition to their roles as agents of social justice and change. Progressives, for all their good intentions, frequently found themselves at odds with the same people they tried to assist. Reformers, motivated by their beliefs and self-assurance, have ignored the viewpoints and worries of oppressed people, unintentionally upholding paternalistic beliefs and methods. However, grassroots movements became effective means of promoting progressive ideas, inspiring common people to support social and political change on a local, state, and federal level. The federal government did not start implementing progressive changes on a larger scale until Theodore Roosevelt unexpectedly won the president in 1901, despite the fact that tremendous progress was accomplished at the local level. An period of regulatory reform was ushered in by Roosevelt's administration, which addressed concerns including business monopolies, consumer protection, and environmental preservation. Progressives, however, persisted in their conviction that the country was dangerously off course and that regular Americans had a crucial role to play in putting it back on course in spite of these federal initiatives. The Progressive Movement, which was characterized by a passionate dedication to social justice, political change, and the quest of a more fair society, essentially marked a turning point in American history. The Progressive era set the stage for many of the social, political, and economic reforms that still influence American culture today, despite its complicated and varied legacy.