History: The Progressive Era

Words: 906
Pages: 4
Open Document
The Progressive Era should be remembered by history as a period in our country when the people cried out for reforms and various responses were given. At the beginning of the Progressive Era, the United States was in a very bad state. Large corporations and companies ruled over the economy with an iron fist. The government paid very little attention to the needs and lives of the lower class, in fact, many people outside of the lower class were unaware of the conditions in which they lived. It took “muckrakers”, like Ida Tarbell, to uncover the truth and enlighten the eyes and minds of society. Tarbell exposed the dark, dirty secrets of large corporations. An example could be her report that was published in McClure’s Magazine, where she revealed …show more content…
Towards the end of the 1800s, the Progressive reformers supported the cause of working women and children. A progressive activist, Florence Kelley, assisted in the persuasion of the state of Illinois prohibiting child labor and limiting the number of hours women were forced to work. This led to the creation of the National Child Labor Committee in 1904. Even after these actions were taken, companies still hired children and forced women to work unearthly hours. Many states and groups tried their best to help push for the reforms that progressive activists supported. In Utah, there was a law passed that limited the workday of some Women’s professions to eight hours a day. Laws were also passed in some states to require businesses to abide by a minimum wage for their employees. This was to eliminate the countless workers suffering due to their low …show more content…
In 1911, there was a terrible fire in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City. Unfortunately, due to the lack of proper working conditions and safety precautions, more than 140 young women died. The ladders from the fire department could not reach high enough to save the women through the windows, and because at the time it wasn’t illegal to lock your workers in the work room, the door was locked. This tragedy opened the eyes of the public and showed them why society needed reform.
Another period of great historical value within the Progressive Era were the various election reforms that were made. The progressives pushed for fairer elections, and the ability to make politicians more accountable to the people. Ratified in 1913, the seventeenth amendment gave voters, instead of state legislatures, the right to directly elect their U.S.
Show More

Related Documents: History: The Progressive Era

History Of The Progressive Era

Taylor Garrant History November 11, 2013 Progressive Era From 1865 to 1900, America went from an Agrarian society to an industrial economy. As America was advancing, many people were taken advantage of by big business. The two groups of people who suffered most at the hands of big business were farmers and laborers. Both groups, farmers and laborers, suffered significantly, because of harsh working conditions, unfair pay, and corrupt practices. The Populist Party, which was the movement to have more political power for…

Words 1175 - Pages 5

How Did The Progressive Era Shaped The Way America Today

The Progressive Era had shaped the way America is today. Firstly, the impact that women had during this era left a legacy for future women in this country, forever. Secondly, American life improved in areas such as education and living conditions because of the works of Progressives. Finally, Progressives tackled an important social reform that was crucial for the future of Americans, such as fighting for improving working conditions. The Progressives in America during this era paved a proactive…

Words 528 - Pages 3

Progressive Era Characteristics

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Subject 17.10.2017 Progressive Era Review the basic characteristics and legislation of the Progressive Era, and then comment on the following: In what ways do you see its influence today: in laws, business, attitudes, etc.? Give a couple of specific, recent examples. The Progressive era still influences our society today, as a testament to how great their contributions were to our society. One of them is the ‘women’s suffrage’, how women and children’s health and safety…

Words 171 - Pages 1

Changes In The Progressive Era

Progressive Changes that Shaped Today “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) The events that happened during the Progressive era (1900-1920s) transformed the American people politically culturally, and economically in a positive way. If it wasn’t for these changes our country wouldn’t be as strong as it is today. Education becomes more of a priority and journalism (Muckruckers)…

Words 805 - Pages 4

The Progressive Era

proven to stay the same, each era brought on new changes and ideas that have since changed history and the way the United States is today. Society during these time periods have greatly changed and conformed to social aspects and political changes. There has been a lot of change due to politics during pre World War 1, post World War 1, and present day America because of choices made by the presidents and by the people. First off, during pre world war 1, the Progressive Era…

Words 1283 - Pages 6

Progressive Era Positives And Negatives

Progressivism Essay The Progressive Era was a period of political reform and widespread social activism across the USA. The main goals of this era was to eliminate some of the problems caused by industrialization, immigration, and urbanization. A lot of positives came out of the Progressive Era, and so did a lot of negatives. A lot of new laws were passed to improve our lives. The Progressive Era did have a lot of positives including women's suffrage, child labor laws, the 17th, 18th, and 19th amendments…

Words 654 - Pages 3

Progressivism In America During The 1920's

were saying (Progressive Era). I also found the connection to today’s times interesting, in that people still use the President’s as well as other political leaders, own words to advocate against them. However, even with the positive things such as suffrage gaining momentum, you still must consider things such as there not being tolerance for other views during this time, known as “expertise,” Progressives believing they were the…

Words 655 - Pages 3

Harlem Progressive Era

that created the staple era in U.S History. To name a few, Zora Neal Hurston, Langston Hughes, and Jean Tumor migrated to Harlem to flourish in their lives. Most of the blacks in Harlem during the 1920s traveled from the South/Confederacy to escape the gloom and racial cruelty. They would begin to prosper, and contribute golden entertainment,…

Words 722 - Pages 3

Women In The Progressive Era

The Progressive Women During the progressive era, the working woman became a symbol of female liberation. They fought for the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. The brave women of this era knew the government would be the only tool for change. They made their voices heard and advised Americans to really think about the definition of democracy. The progressive women fought hard and long for fair treatment in the workplace and today we thrive because of their relentless efforts…

Words 1059 - Pages 5

Life And Accomplishments Of Helen Adams Keller

motivations as she grew up and entered her adolescence and adult life. These would lead her to push for a progressive society as she attempted to better the educations of disabled children and people, and assure their care and attention they need. Helen Keller’s promotions of reforms for education in disabled children, and pushes for better quality of life, rewards her a place in history as a progressive-era figure. Motivation Helen Keller benefited society…

Words 693 - Pages 3