Progressive Era Dbq

During the Progressive Era it was a great time for social change, and economic growth in the United States. The movement involved promoters from both the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as members from third parties who concentrated on specific issues. The Progressives were middle-class citizens who’s intent on improving society and saving capitalism in the United States by cutting the worst abuses of the capital system. Several concerns targeted for reform by the Progressives were direct outcomes of the large amount of immigration, and industrialization that was occurring during this time period. Political parties were using the voting base offered by these immigrants to pursue their own goals, often helping the immigrant families

These leaders would sometimes organize their own private relief programs to provide assistance to these people. Many of the Progressives came from the traditional upper and middle-class establishments, they were mostly college educated, and they thought that the government could be an instrument for change. They were offended by the rise of a class of government and also political professionals who threatened their own views. To some of the Progressives their religious beliefs along with their social responsibilities as members of society required that they act to improve working and living conditions for the poor. One of the success of progressivism owed much to the publicity that was generated by the muckrakers. Muckrakers wrote about the horrors of poverty, the horrific working conditions, and child labor. Women also played a noticeable role in reform, they began justifying their work through motherly instincts testifying they should be able to expand their motherly roles in the public sphere. Women were at the forefront of efforts to help establish public schools, eradicate slavery, and limit

Even the hardest working ward boss could only help individuals on a local level in very limited ways. Workers began rising up to strike against the overshadowing power of their employers demanding better wages and working conditions. The issue of fair living wage came to dominate the Progressives thinking. Making them wondered if they could really afford the products they are making at work. The depression transformed American politics, the farm foreclosures, and rail road bankruptcies were indicating economic distress. The public began blaming hard times on political