Essay Preview: Mr
Report this essay
Progressives were believers in societys ability to improve and grow in advancements because it was our nations destiny to do so but also they wanted a more modernized government, an urge to limit power, and solutions to social issues. A contributing factor was the muckrakers. President Roosevelt gave the muckrakers this name because they exposed corruption, scandal, and injustice in corporate organizations to the public by way of news. Muckrakers inspired Americans to take action against the corrupt organizations. The economy of this era would be the most affected factor. This era was centered on the corrupt economic leaders which caused acts and laws to be passed in order to control them. This period seemed to be more of a movement to fix the corruption and neglect that added up during the industrial period. The problems resulted in new major laws and amendments to be passed such as the Equal Rights Amendment which prohibited all discrimination of sex and the 19th Amendment which gave political rights to women which during this era were considered pioneers because they were determined to rid society of negative ideas and achieve social betterment of fairness and equal opportunity. Women learned there views could not be achieved without the use of organizational powers. Women joined clubs such as the General Federation of Womens Clubs and black women formed the National Association of Colored Women, all dealing with womens rights. Also Robert La Follette was well known for progressive reforms. He provided an idea for regulating railroads and public utilities as well as compensation in the workplace for injured employees.
The Progressive movement successfully changed social change in America without emphasizing the idea that the government was cold and negative but had a responsibility for its people.