the age of reform

“A better America for all Americans”

1. Definition:

   1. Movement to improve American life by expanding democracy and achieving economic and social justice

   2. use government as an agency of human welfare

2. Objectives:

   1. accepted and hailed the benefits of the machine age but sought to correct its evils and problems

   2. began to look for ways to provide welfare & justice for everyone -  ALL Americans

   3. restore the public’s belief in free enterprise and equality of opportunity – (American Dream was a myth not reality)

3. Aims:

   1. Political Reform → wanted to restore control of government to the people

   2. Economic & Social Reform → correct the abuses in American life

   3. Restore Equality of Opportunity → sought business and labor reforms

who were progressives?

• Unifying Characteristic*:  CAUSE!!*  (not ONE cause – just a Cause!)

• General Characteristics:

  • “SPIRIT” or “ATTITUDE” >> call to Action!!!

  • Cut across party lines – economic groups – classes – gender — race

  • New middle class (young, educated professionals)

• Central Belief: America should be a better place for all people

roots of the progressive movement

• scientific investigation

  • observation, experimentation, facts/truth

• idealism (“high” principles)

  • Abraham Lincoln widely considered the hero of the progressive movement

• radical traditions

  • politicians, radicals, socialists → writers: Lloyd, Veblen, Riss

• religion

  • Christianity, spread of the social gospel

• feminists

  • largely middle class, fought for gender equality and women’s suffrage

• civil rights

  • fight for equality of the races, black power and increased suffrage