The Progressive Era in the United States, spanning from the late 19th to the early 20th century, witnessed a wave of social, political, and economic reforms aimed at addressing the challenges brought about by industrialization and urbanization. This essay will evaluate the impact of Progressive Era reforms and analyze their significance in shaping American society. To ensure a balanced perspective, I will draw from a variety of reputable sources and critically assess their credibility. Author: Robert H. Wiebe Book: "The Search for Order: 1877-1920" Authority: Robert H. Wiebe was a prominent historian and professor specializing in American history. Language use: Wiebe's writing is scholarly and well-researched, presenting historical events and their impact. Sources: Wiebe's work references primary sources, historical records, and other scholarly publications. Bias: Wiebe's presentation appears balanced, focusing on historical analysis …show more content…
is a renowned historian and professor of American history. Language use: Cooper's language is informative and engaging, providing an in-depth analysis of the Progressive Era. Sources: Cooper draws from primary sources, letters, and archives to support his arguments. Bias: Cooper's work is well-regarded for its objectivity and avoids undue bias, focusing on historical context. Author: Michael McGerr Book: "A Fierce Discontent: The Rise and Fall of the Progressive Movement in America, 1870-1920" Authority: Michael McGerr is a respected historian and professor specializing in American political history. Language use: McGerr's language is accessible and clear, allowing readers to grasp the complexities of the Progressive Era. Sources: McGerr utilizes primary sources, newspapers, and diaries to provide a comprehensive account of the period. Bias: McGerr's work is balanced, presenting multiple perspectives without favoring a specific political agenda. The Impact of Progressive Era Reforms: Political
Bibliographic entries must be in correct Chicago format and the sources must be in alphabetical order according to the author’s last name, or, if there is no author, according to the first word in the title that is not “a/an” or “the.” (Let Word do this for you.) SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR THE PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT Annals of America. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, 1968. Gilmore, Glenda Elizabeth (ed.).
She works together a story that encapsulates both the large span of American history in depth by dissecting the social, political, and cultural developments throughout. Jill Lepore’s writing is accessible for casual readers and those with a deeper understanding of history, which resulted from the clarity that is showcased in her writing style. A major achievement that Lepore accomplishes is bringing inclusivity into her book by incorporating diverse perspectives, such as the perspectives of marginalized groups; Native Americans, African Americans, women, etc. Topics that are underrepresented in traditional accounts of history are highlighted by Lepore by discussing their contributions and experiences.
During the time when reform movements were common (1825-1850), people stated the following statement. “Reform movements in the United States sought to expand democratic ideals.” The only question that remains from this statement is if this statement still holds up to its claim. The answer to this question is a definite yes where reform movements did sought to expand democratic ideals. These ideals can range from the common good to egalitarianism and justice.
Time struck the 1900’s as the United States faced a roadblock, the industrialization era had just ended and with this came political and social problems. The United States had a choice, either take notice of the problems or continue on the downhill spiral that they had succumbed to. Although, Americans couldn’t breakout of this problem alone; they needed help from someone that would listen and rectify these issues. Thus, the era of Progressivism was born and the Progressive Presidents were introduced.
Differing forms of government size and involvement in public affairs has shaped many eras in America’s history. Expanding the government has usually led to the creation of the programs and specific offices dealing with niche interests or offices targeted at helping specific demographics of citizens. When these programs are used to the benefit the disenfranchised and disadvantaged is when democratic government starts to become a better system for all instead of only benefitting those with power. In the following eras the government of the United States was altered in some manner; Progressivism, The Great Society, and social movements in the 1960s and 70s all impacted the existing ideals held by political leaders and constituents.
"(Blum, Schlesinger, Jr. et al. , from The National Experience: A History of the United States. Sixth Ed. New York: Harcourt Brace
The conservative movement of the 1960s was created within the context of global events from the Cold War, Vietnam War, and Civil Rights. Conservatives learned from the nation’s failures making innovative efforts to change with major policy changes. In many cases conservatives played a dominant role in creating informed and proactive responses to the changing world (161-242). The final essay in the book looks at the political career of Vice President Spiro T. Agnew who has been overshadowed in the history of the conservative movement by Goldwater, Nixon, Reagan and others.
For the first time in our nation’s short history, citizen’s voices were beginning to have more and more of an influence on our governing body. However, during this era, political freedoms were also being restricted. Despite the Fifteenth Amendment granting the right to vote to all male citizens, some—specifically those who were black or poor—were discouraged or even barred from voting due to “…literacy tests and residency and registration requirements” (Foner 701). Despite gaining political freedoms during the Progressive era, many were still restricted from doing so. Much like political freedoms, there were also expansions and restrictions of economic freedoms during the Progressive Era as well.
In the period between 1900 and 1920, the federal government and reformers were very successful in bringing social, economic, and political reform to the federal government. While not every aspect of it was successful, the rights of women, fighting against child labor and limiting the control of trusts and monopolies were three distinct successes of that time. Even before the progressive era, women challenged their place and articulated new visions of social, political and economic equality. The progressive era was a turning point for women as organizations evolved fighting for equal rights. Woman began to become very involved in a variety of reform movements.
The progressive era which lasted from 1890-1920 in American society was the institution of radical reforms brought about by the millions of Americans involved in volunteer organizations across the country. During this time Americans worked to create solutions to the problems caused by the rapid industrialization and urbanization of the country. The progressive era was not a single movement, but rather a collection of movements all of which were intended to improve the lives of Americans. This was a truly remarkable time for women and the end of the era would see almost universal women’s suffrage with the passing of the nineteenth amendment in 1920.
Brook’s stresses some extremely accurate arguments, but most of his opinions I disagree with. When Brooks writes about the progressive switch toward the wrong side, I fear he is misunderstood. The indication for a country to advance requires that the country change and parallel the economic, political, and social transformations. In other ways, change is good and as a nation, we cannot repeat history.
A Fierce Discontent McGerr, Michael E. A Fierce Discontent: The Rise and Fall of the Progressive Movement in America, 18701920. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2005. Print. In “A fierce Discontent”, the main thesis of the book is to give insight to the progressive movement during the 19th century.
The 1920’s: America’s Deterioration Although the 1920’s brought an economic boom and a monumental achievement in women’s rights, the 20’s were not beneficial to the United States of America. There is a widespread misconception that the 1920’s were an American golden age due to the economic success and progress in gender equality; however, America in the 20’s exemplifies the dangers of national complacency after major success. The 1920’s were harmful to America as a country because of the conflict over modernity, or old versus new, the rise of an exploitative consumer culture, the prevalence and promotion of racism, and the lack of respect and equality for women, even after their successful suffrage movement.
The beginning of the 20th century brought about great societal, cultural and economic change in the United States. Americans had developed a new, refreshed look on the world. Political activists nationwide were pushing a progressive agenda, supporting issues such as prohibition, women’s suffrage and anti-trust laws. These new ideas and perspectives represented a “rebirth” of the American people.
Since humans have been able to record history and ergo teach it to an audience, everyone whether they consciously realize or not has an interest in the realm of public history. It can answer so many question whether concerning a single individual to and entire nation. At the head of this is a public historian who is charged at times with knowing specialized history for its audience in accordance to where they are residing. Although it is important for a public historian to know their audience, it is just as important for the audience to be aware of their public historian as well.