The Progressive Era

The Progressive Era

Discuss the reform efforts of the Progressive era and groups involved in those efforts.

The Progressive Era is a term given to the period of political reforms and social activism in United States. The progressive Era started in 1890 and remained till 1920s. One of the main goals of Progressive movement was political and governmental purification. Progressives tried to eradicate corruption in government by undercutting political bosses and machinery. Following is a brief account of reform efforts of the Progressive Era;

Political Reforms

The progressives were disturbed by the inefficacy, corruption, waste and injustices of the government and were determined to fight against every bad aspect of the government. It was due to the progressives that some significant changes were brought into action, including income tax imposition and direct election of senators. Several Constitutional Amendments were made in this regard.

Modernization

The progressives were modernizers. They were the believers of science, expertise and technology. The progressives believed in educating the society and had a good attitude towards urban-industrial society.

Democracy

Progressives played their role for enabling the citizens to rule directly. The efforts of Oregon Populist Party State Representative William S. U'Ren cannot be neglected in this regard.



Municipal Reform

Municipal Reference Bureaus were setup to analyze the administrative structures of local governments. Progressive mayors of Cleveland, Los Angeles, Ohio, Jersey City, Kentucky and others were highly influential in this regard.

Describe the methods used by the various states to bring about reforms in state governments during the Progressive era.

The state level reforms were also highly important regarding reforms in the progressive era. Many states took measures to bring political reforms in their respective states and cities. Some of the influential reforms are as follows;

City government system was changed to prohibit machine or boss rule.

Mayors were replaced by city commissions in some cities.

Non Political managers were hired to run smaller cities.

Robert La Follette of Wisconsin was one of the most influential motivators of state level reforms.

Through state reforms brought in by Follette, voters were given control over the candidates.

Lobbying was restricted in states, and civil service was made much competitive.

Workmen's compensation laws were passed by many states.

Direct democracy was brought to voters by introducing electoral reforms.

Many states allowed five percent of voters to initiate laws in state legislation.

Most states passed laws that prohibited child labor from working more than 10 hours a day. However, enforcement was very difficult to achieve.

Women's Christian Temperance and Anti Saloon League protested against alcoholism on the state level.

New Jersey's scholarly governor. Woodrow Wilson insisted for moral reform and revival. He called for breaking up of monopolies and enforcing low tariffs (Feldmeth, 1998).

Discuss the involvement of women's groups in Progressive-era reform movements.

Progressive women performed their task in progressive-era reform through organized activities. They tried to narrow down the gap between their domestic and political ideals. These organizing efforts led them to form national level ...