American society was transformed in the 20th century by the economical and social changes stemming from the industrial and urban boom. Many of these transformations included innovations in science, technology, mass communication and transit. This heavily impacted the standard of health and living conditions of many workers in the cities. This transformation would bring about a movement known as “progressivism”. Progressivism is basically a label for a group of individuals, mostly urban college-educated middle class supporters, who demanded reform from the government and businesses to improve working conditions, eliminate health hazards and give the public more control in the government. This movement was brought about in response to the monumental changes due to modernization, the large growth of corporations and railroads and the fear of corruption in American politics. One group in particular, labeled the “muckrakers”, which consisted of writers and journalists, reported the offensive actions of businesses and government and the terrible health and living conditions of the worker. Many wrote what was considered fictional novels that were based on the actual atrocities that were occurring in the nation at this time. Writers like Frank Norris wrote about the intimidation of the railroad companies against the farmers. Another writer, John Spargo, visited coal mines in Pennsylvania and West Virginia to work and verify the working conditions in the mines for young boys. They worked 10 hours a day picking refuse from the coal and choking on the dust. Still others documented the hazardous dyes and materials that could eat away a workers fingernail. Photographers also played a part in bringing national exposure to this problem by capt... ... middle of paper ... ...ears and is still a bone of contention today. The Progressive Era remains an important time in our society’s history. A time when the middleclass came together to make changes that would affect generations of Americans. This was an era when journalist, photographers, artists and civic minded people who called for reform in politics and government. This was a time when reformers demanded safe working conditions and regulation of big business for men, women and children. This was an era when progressive officials that expanded the role of government to aid society in cleaning up the cities and an era when environmental concerns overcame big business. A time when women made a big difference in child and health issues not to mention the women’s suffrage movement. Progressive reformers instituted many of the programs and policies that we enjoy today as a nation.
...l to readers to see how the reform movement played a major role in better health and labor standards across many cities in the United States. By giving more focus to these positive elements, I thought it could have made for a very interesting contrast between pros and cons for the reform movement, similar to what readers received while reading about machine politics in Chapter 3.
The period of time running from the 1890’s through the early 1930’s is often referred to as the “Progressive Era.” It was a time where names such as J.P. Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, Jay Gould and John D. Rockefeller stood for the progress of America and their great contributions to American industry and innovation. This chapter however, has a much darker side. Deplorable working conditions, rampant political corruption and power hungry monopolies and trusts threatened the working class of America and the steady influx of European immigrants hoping to make a better life for themselves and their families. What started as a grass-roots movement pushing for political reform at the local and municipal levels soon began to encompass
The numerous problems that the US faced paved way for an era of reform that was directed at enforcing direction and integrity on a society in crisis – The Progressive Movement.
In the late nineteenth century, many European immigrants traveled to the United States in search of a better life and good fortune. The unskilled industries of the Eastern United States eagerly employed these men who were willing to work long hours for low wages just to earn their food and board. Among the most heavily recruiting industries were the railroads and the steel mills of Western Pennsylvania. Particularly in the steel mills, the working conditions for these immigrants were very dangerous. Many men lost their lives to these giant steel-making machines. The immigrants suffered the most and also worked the most hours for the least amount of money. Living conditions were also poor, and often these immigrants would barely have enough money and time to do anything but work, eat, and sleep. There was also a continuous struggle between the workers and the owners of the mills, the capitalists. The capitalists were a very small, elite group of rich men who held most of the wealth in their industries. Strikes broke out often, some ending in violence and death. Many workers had no political freedom or even a voice in the company that employed them. However, through all of these hardships, the immigrants continued their struggle for a better life.
The Progressive Movement that occurred during the early 20th century was a time of major reform in the United States of America. During this time, there was a group of activists that referred to themselves as the Progressives, and they sought to change society for the people. The way that they intended to do this was change through their ideals of democracy, efficiency, regulation, and social justice. With this movement came the election that changed the course of America’s history “…demonstrating a victory for progressive reforms as both Progressive candidates accounted for 75 percent of all the votes” (Bowles). The candidates in this election were Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson.
She was now getting into the field of labor agitation and would change America forever. In 1903, she organized a march in which children, mutilated from their jobs, marched the streets to the home of Theodore Roosevelt in order to draw attention to the grueling and wicked child labor laws. “Federal laws against child labor would not come for decades, but for two months that summer, Mother Jones, with her street theater and speeches, made the issue front-page news.” This shows how after several attempts from previous progressive reformers, Jones was the only one whose protests were powerful and effective enough to open people’s eyes to the issues. A reason that Jones had become so effective was that of her exploration and observations. She frequently visited factories to observe the cruel working conditions in which people worked in and interviewed workers to get a feel for them and understand the brutality of the work. She stated herself that because of rough conditions, “The brain is so crushed as to be incapable of thinking, and one who mingles with these people soon discovers that their minds like their bodies are wrecked. Loss of sleep and loss of rest gives rise to abnormal appetites, indigestion, shrinkage of statue, bent backs and aching hearts.” By examining workplaces, she was able to gather empathy and sympathy for the workers who were suffering.
...icter safety laws, for instance, employees must wash their hands before working. The Women Christian Temperance Union, they fought against liquor, and at this time, they still fight about liquor and driving and they are called MADD: Mother?s Against Drunk Driving. Women are also allowed to run for Senators/Representatives in government and for presidencies. They have the right to vote for anything and have a voice. Education has also influence us because now we have a law called ?No Child Left Behind?, and we have standardized testing: CAPT (CT), SATS, ACTS, etc, which shows how much a student demonstrates their skills in a specific subject. Working laws has change minimum wage because people deserve more money for the hours they work, and some business provide health/dental/life insurance. In brief, the Progressive Era?s actions are still affecting Americans today.
Within the period of 1900-1920, many national reforms were rising to the top as Progressive Era reformers and the federal government heard the voices of the people. The effectiveness of Progressivism is a controversial subject for some, but the future was changed through the events of any actions a president made, the rights of people, and unfair treatment and conditions. This era brings changes to our society that also changes the future of it. These two decades brought forth successful times in bettering America.
The period in American history between 1900 and 1920 was a very turbulent one. Civil unrest was brewing as a result of many pressures placed upon the working class. Although wealth was accumulating at an astonishing rate in America, most people at the lower economic levels were not benefiting from any of it. Worst of all for them, the federal government seemed to be on the side of the corporations. Their helpless situation and limited options is why the coal strike of 1902 is so important.
Where did some of modern America's issues originate from? The answer to that is the Progressive Era. The Legislation of that era laid all of the groundwork for today, and much of it is still in public debate today. Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson, three of the presidents from that era, all played roles in the groundwork. These presidents passed acts, tariffs, and amendments that are still with us, and debated today.
It did not matter if a laborer lost a finger, the only thing that mattered to the businessmen was making more money. This was how life was working in the factory and it shows that the industries are taking advantage of the immigrants and forcing the less fortunate to work in deplorable circumstances.
Large corporations used this to their advantage. Profit oriented leaders did little to make suitable working conditions. With the aid of Muckrakers, journalists who exposed the underside of American life, the nation began to understand the "evils" of industrialization (599). More and more did Americans escalate their concern for reforms. The reformists promoting the ideals of Progressivism were moralists and championed the ideals of human rights. Progressivism embraced a widespread, many-sided effort after 1900 to build a better soc...
Factories were utilizing children to do the hard work. They employed children as young as five or six to work as many as twenty hours a day. According to Document C, children worked in factories to build up muscles and having good intellect in working rather than getting an education. They became a different person rather than conventional children. There were additionally health issues due to child labor: rapid skeletal growth, greater risk of hearing loss, higher chemical absorption rates, and developing ability to assess risks. Progressive Era reformers believed that child labor was detrimental to children and to society. They believed that children should be protected from harmful environments, so they would become healthy and productive adults. In 1912, Congress created the Children’s Bureau to benefit children. The Keating-Owen Act was passed in 1916 to freed children from child labor only in industries that engaged in interstate commerce. However, it was declared unconstitutional sinc...
For women, the Progressive Era was a period of immense prospects and growth. Outside the direct consequences of their campaigning, the women of the Progressive Era also motivated future generations of female advocates, turning into idols and heroes to prospective feminists activists and leaving their legacy of radical free speech in the U.S.
The Progressive Era was a period of time when there were political and social views of different people. Before the Progressive Era, women didn’t have equal opportunities and rights as men. They had no voice that they can speak up and say whatever they wanted. Women were supposed to be Cult of Domesticity, when women were supposed to stay domestic and take care of their child. Women had no right to participate in political or social issues. They didn’t have equal opportunities as men through civil rights, education, employment, and political views. Women played significant roles during the Progressive Era reform from 1880-1920 through political and social conditions.