Progressives and progressivism and their impact on society and government during the early decades of the 20th century

Running head: PROGRESSIVISM Progressivism and Its Impacts on the Government and Society in the Early Decades of 20th Century Name: University: Course: Tutor: Date: Progressivism and Its Impacts on the Government and Society in the Early Decades of 20th Century The progressive era was a movement which was aimed at curing various problems which faced America during the early decades of the twentieth century. The progressive era coincided with the industrial development which was taking place in America during the same period. During this era, businesses were developing alongside great cities, and American oversea empires were also created. However, most American citizens at that time did not economically benefit from wealth generated by this progress (Leonard, 2009, p. 11). Progressive ideas aimed at improving society were not new phenomena to America. Progressive efforts begun as early as 1800s, during this period there was an agitation for change which was aimed at changing working conditions in American industries, and also pushed for humane treatment of prisoners and individuals with mental problems. This period also witnessed an effort by some Americans to create utopian societies in which participants were promised certain changes. The main concern of the early leaders of progressivism was abolition of slavery which was viewed by most people as moral decadence. The second era of progressivism begun during the period of reconstruction and went on until the First World War (Leonard, 2009, p. 11). The initial political issues that were being agitated for during the second progressive era was women’s rights, in addition to call for temperance. The temperance movement at this time was advocating for moderation in consumption especially the consumption of intoxicating drinks. A part from these political and social issues, there was also an economic issue that formed one of the grievances for this movement. The farm movement pushed for compensation of farmers because at that time rural areas were rendered less important due to industrialization and urbanization (Babcock, 2007, p. 7). The concept of progressivism, during the era of second reform, was rooted in belief that mankind has the ability of improving the condition of everyone in the society. This was a contrast and a rejection of the concept of Social Darwinism a philosophy that was being propagated by the rich minority at that time. Progressivism during this era was also characterized by strong political comments. This movement objected to the role that was being played by the church as an agent for change. The main political objective of this movement was to enable mass participation of people in various political processes. The movement also wanted to eliminate corruption and negative influence on government by putting all the political machines and prominent government official under check, and it also demanded for increased role of government in dealing with social challenges which perpetuate economic inequalities (Babcock, 2007, p. 7). Theodore Roosevelt was the president of the United States during the prog...