Embedded Files
Were the Progressives successful in reforming social, political, and economic problems in America?
Were the Progressives successful in reforming social, political, and economic problems in America?
Presidents in the Progressive Era were successful in solving problems in America by breaking up monopolies, improving the harsh and unsanitary working conditions, and by the formation of a more fair and democratic government.
Overview: Gilded Age to Progressive Era
The Progressive Era took time in 1890s -1920s and formed due to the problems that rose in the Gilded Age. The Gilded Age was a time of industrial expansion, political corruption, economic inequality, and as well as social struggles. Presidents like Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, and Woodrow Wilson took charge on these issues. They passed many laws and reforms that played a key role in establishing government regulation of businesses and improving the nations challenges, making a marking the pathway for future reforms.
Problems
Economic issues: The rise of monopolies and the dominance of trusts led to economic instability with the restriction of competition, and prominent nation-wide wealth disparity.
Social issues: Many laborers were subjected to work in dangerous, unsanitary conditions with barely liveable wages. Additionally, many immigrants were found scarce to proper housing.
Political issues: The use of political machines and voting participation was largely restricted, weaking the country's democracy.
Key Figures
Theodore Roosevelt Jr.
Theodore Roosevelt Jr.
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was elected as the 26th president in 1901, serving two terms for the Republican party. During his presidency, his main focus for reform was social justice, environmental conservation and economic corruption. Roosevelt was known as a "trust-buster" for his zealous efforts to destroy monopolies, and worked with journalists to expose the corruption in the workforce. Additionally, he used his charisma and open negotiation tactics to implement his reforms on protection of worker rights, increased democratic participation, and improvement of conservation efforts with the establishment of nature parks.
William Howard Taft
William Howard Taft
William Howard Taft was elected as the 27th president in 1909, serving one term for the Republican party. Although he fell out of favor with progressives for some of his controversial actions, he brought about much reform during his presidency; specifically regarding trust-busting, reducing corruption in government processes, protecting worker rights. Unlike Roosevelt who used his charisma and personal judgement to enforce reform, Taft implemented a more structured and cautious approach to reform using legal process. While considered by progressives at the time as "not effective", Taft managed to break up the most amount of trusts out of any reformer president, established the Department of Labor to protect worker rights, and openly supported the ratification of the 19th amendment granting women suffrage.
Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson
Woodrow Wilson was elected as the 28th president in 1913, serving 2 terms for the Democratic party. Through his reform agenda known as "New Freedom", Wilson aimed to expand democratic participation, eliminate unfair business practices and protect worker/consumer rights. His skillful use of public persuasion and legislation pushed for an increase in the public's government involvement, strengthened anti-trust laws, and established the Federal Reserve which stabilized the economy. Overall, Wilson strongly advocated for an increase in the people's rights and control over government processes and the economy.
Legislations and Amendments
Legislations and Amendments
Progressive presidential reforms led to legislative changes that brought nation wide change and lay the groundwork for future reform. Laws like the Sherman Antitrust Act, Pure Food and Drug Act, Social Security Act, Civil Rights Act, Federal Reserve Act and Fair Labor Standards Act eliminated monopolies, protected consumers, secured worker rights, advanced civil rights, and strengthened financial stability and workplace protections. Several amendments introduced significantly shaped reform efforts. The ratification of the 16th and 17th amendments under president Wilson introduced a graduated income tax and direct senate elections by the people. The 19th & 24th expanded voting rights and the 22nd amendments limited presidential terms. These reforms ultimately enhanced democracy, economic and political fairness as well as federal oversight.
Connection to the Antebellum Era
The connection between the Antebellum Period and the Progressive Era is grounded in their shared focuses on justice, equality, and economic fairness.
Sources
Sources
https://assets.sutori.com/user-uploads/image/f70634fb-4304-413c-92a4-69f81d6db659/antitrust.jpeg
https://www.pangeaguides.com/images/places/Sydney/large/Sydney_18203.jpg
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dwilawyerstexas.com%2Ftwenty-fourth-amendment constitution%2F&psig=AOvVaw2R6koL3MNtQC0Jii4KN_Zx&ust=1738337660196000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjRxqFwoTCODNhoLinYsDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE
https://www.history.com/news/gilded-age-progressive-era-reforms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5DIbq5-QL4
Page updated
Report abuse