6.1.1: the progressive era

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

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