Social Reform

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Question number 2: The early shape of social progressiveness (reform) in America started when two major reform movements emerged: One focused on the local, and the other focused on the national politics Municipal Progressiveness and social Progressiveness. Urban progressiveness focused on the notion that the agony that people survived was due to unchecked industrialization within the urban centers and the rampant corruption and incompetence in government. And it was these two beliefs that influenced a course called Municipal Progressiveness. This led to new political theory in the 1900s. Trained professional people soon staffed a government broadly and continuously involved in society’s operations. Governments could rid themselves of …show more content…

A deeper history of social movements shaped progressive throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Progressiveness as a reform tradition has always focused its moral energy against corruption, and inequality, they want a more honest Government for the people. Progressiveness was built along a vibrant grassroots foundation, from the Social Gospel and labor movements to women’s right to vote and civil rights to environmentalism, antiwar activism, and gay rights. The militants and leadership of these movements believed deeply in the empowerment and equality of the less privileged in society. They challenged the government to eliminate its own legal injustices and also harnessed the force of government as a decisive tool for advancing human freedom and establishing the “more perfect marriage”. Central to all progressive social movements is the opinion that the people do not have to wait for change from the upside down—that people themselves can be catalysts for change from the bottom …show more content…

John Atlgeld, Hazen Pingree, Mayor of Detroit, and Samuel Jones, Mayor of Toledo are just some examples. Leaders such as these worked to reform social policy. One of the first goals was to raise public quality: Reformers realized that the only way to create an educated public was through the development of a sanitary environment and strong school system. Urban progressives advocated the building of nurseries, kindergartens, better schools and tighter attendance laws. The National Child Labor Committee helps to get state laws passed that prohibit children working in certain jobs. Immigrants- instilling into immigrants American values, including a strong work ethic. Though immigrants might take advantage of night school classes that taught English, they often rebuffed agents of Americanization feeling their condescension. The high minded principles of Progressiveness did little for immigrants who looked for concrete gains in politics, immigrants and reformers were often at odds. Progressive leaders learned from different ways the social movements

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