Name- NOURPA SINGH

Course- B.A. (Hons) HISTORY

The Progressive Movement 1900 -1917s

After the civil war period till the early twentieth century, there
was a great demand of product arose States of America, which
were initially agro- based and heavy industries in nature and
mostly depended on Southern part of America for the raw
material. That was where the development of Railroad and
other industry begins.
The Industrialisation in American led to emergence of labour
class and middle class in the society. In the industrial period,
the capitalist class only thought of profit which led to
exploitation of labour class. Due to which labours trapped into
a desperate cycle of poverty, exhausting labour and early
deaths.
Alongside with the industrialisation, the rise of middle class
could also be seen with women as the reformers who majorly
had been fighting for the white women enfranchise. These all
development produced a wave of reforms that came to known
as Progressive movement.
Different protest and movement emerged in the 1890s, at the
city and state levels, which was array of organisations, many of
them led by women, pursued varied reform objectives. As
Journalist, Novelist, Religious leaders, Politicians and other
joined in it became a National movement.
The Progressive Movement, a widespread reform movement
that emerged in the early 1900 till 1920s served as a
significant catalyst for change in American society. Which is
characterized by its commitment to social, political, and
economic reforms, the Progressive Movement sought to
address the pressing issues of the time.
The Progressive Era in America unfolded against a backdrop of
significant social, economic, and political transformations.
Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the rise of corporate
power created a multitude of problems that demanded
attention.
The Progressive Movement had several overarching goals. First
and foremost, it aimed to curb the power of big businesses and
monopolies, advocating for antitrust legislation to promote fair
competition and protect consumer rights. Secondly, the
movement sought to improve the living and working conditions
of ordinary Americans, pushing for labour reforms, including
the establishment of minimum wages, maximum working
hours, and workplace safety regulations. Due to these
movement at local and state level many reforms were brought
into laws. In 1907, 30 states outlawed child labour; in 1903,
Oregon law limited women work by 10 hours.
Another major goal of the Progressive Movement was to
address political corruption. Progressives fought against the
influence of political machines, lobbying, and patronage. They
championed initiatives such as direct primaries, voter
registration reforms, and campaign finance regulations to
promote transparency, accountability, and democracy in the
political system.
The Progressive Movement achieved several significant
milestones during its heyday. The introduction of the Pure Food
and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act in 1906 stands as a
testament to the movement's success in addressing public
health concerns and ensuring the safety of consumer products.
Additionally, the establishment of the Federal Reserve System
in 1913, as a response to the financial crises of the early
1900s, brought stability and regulation to the nation's banking
and monetary system.
Progressive reformers also made substantial progress in the
realm of labour rights. Influential figures such as Florence
Kelley and Frances Perkins fought for better working conditions,
leading to the passage of laws prohibiting child labour,
ensuring workers' compensation, and promoting collective
bargaining rights.
The women's suffrage movement, closely aligned with the
Progressive Movement, achieved a major victory with the
ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, granting women
the right to vote. This milestone represented a crucial step
toward gender equality and political empowerment for women.
The Progressive Movement left an indelible mark on American
society that still resonates today. Many of the reforms
advocated by progressives shaped the foundations of modern
America.
The idea of an active and interventionist government, with a
responsibility to regulate industries, protect workers' rights,
and safeguard public health, became ingrained in the American
political landscape.
Moreover, the Progressive Movement's emphasis on social
justice and equality paved the way for future civil rights
movements. However, in terms of blacks who were enduring
lynching, disfranchisement, and discrimination most of the
progressives kept silent as they see African American as
immigrants not as a potential allies but as a part of the
problem. White progressives generally supported or tolerated
segregated schools and housing and other civil rights of blacks,
which was considered as a backdrop of progressives.
The enduring legacy of the Progressive Movement can also be
seen in the continued efforts to reform campaign finance,
increase government transparency, and promote social welfare
programs. Progressivism had its coercive side. Some reformers
concentrated on regulating urban amusements and banning
alcohol consumption. Racism and hostility to immigrants are
part of the progressive legacy as well.
The Progressive Movement in America during the early 1900s
played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's social, political,
and economic landscape. Its tireless pursuit of reform led to
significant achievements and laid the groundwork for future
generations to continue striving for a fair, just, and equitable
society.

REFERENCE :-

Paul S. Boyer, etc; The Enduring Vision: A History of the

Hugh Brogan ; The Progressive Adventure:1897-1914