The Era of Progressive Reform

                Progressivism targeted the massive problems of an urban, industrialized nation. The idea of progressivism was adopted by many American people. Progressivism was an impulse for presidencies to be more serious in their campaigns and on duty as well. Much of the progressive’s reforms began in the cities as opposed to the state or federal levels since they were considered to be the areas in which change was needed the most. Many restrictions and opportunities came before progressivism giving this movement an impulse in order to reach success.

                By the end of the 1800s, many citizens were aware of the massive problems resulting from rapid industrialization. Citizens also came to the realization that private efforts to address issues from the nation were inadequate. Henry George and Edward Bellamy were some of the most influential figures during the movement of progressivism. Both of them were journalists and have mayor influence in mass communication allowing them to transmit their ideas with ease. Socialists, unionists and city government reformed also had many followers however; they were not as influential as the two gentlemen mentioned above. In 1879 Henry George wrote a book to explain why an advanced civilization seemed to increase rather than eliminate poverty. Several writers during this time period wrote how the future would be for America with the harsh working conditions. During this epoch, there were also social welfare programs, which would help ensure a basic standard of living for all Americans “abolishing” poverty by providing them with some goods.

                Florence Kelly became an important figure during this movement as well. She led the way in several areas of progressive reform, including workplace and municipal reform which gave a boost for economy. Due to her efforts, in 1893, a law was passed stating that it was prohibited for a child to work, limiting hours for women, and regulating sweatshop conditions.

                Taft’s presidency was marked by progressive legislation and a rebel movement within his own party. Theodore Roosevelt abandoned the presidency and Taft as well and led the Bull Moose Part. TR did this since he thought the country was going down with Taft being on duty and America needed his leadership again in order to maintain things in order. Roosevelt also trounced Taft by using the New Freedom, he promised to enforce antitrust laws without threatening free economic competition. After this whole controversy between the Bull Moose Party and Taft, Wilson, continued progressivism until an end until World War I approached.

                The journey for woman suffrage took more than seventy years and required great effort and sacrifices from the female gender. The earliest victories for suffrage took place at state level, and mostly in the western states. For example; a journalist in 1912 described “women striding five abreast” up Fifth Avenue in New York City. Such colorful parades became a favorite technique in the 1910s. Techniques such as that were appealing to the individual’s eye and helped people become more sympathized with women voting.

                Progressivism was a fundamental epoch for the United States because the ideologies brought up during that period helped form  today’s government. It helped America have more democracy since it allowed the participation of women in electoral processes. If the progressivism movement never took place, United States wouldn’t be as successful as it is today since not everyone would have the opportunity of freedom of speech.