Question

Explain grassroots reform. (slide 6)
answer only by using this information
Efforts to bring to light the need for change were essential to the Progressive Era. For example, Jacob Riis’s portrayal of the stark existence of the urban poor in his book How the Other Half Lives influenced President Theodore Roosevelt’s progressive policies.
Select the link to read more about life for children in New York City’s slums. As you read, think about how reading this account influenced reformers like President Roosevelt.

hyperlink icon Excerpt from How the Other Half Lives

Learning about the struggles of their fellow citizens, whether from newspapers articles or from the pulpit, inspired reformers to improve American society. The activism that resulted paved the way for many changes.

Most reform began at the grassroots level, or with the people. Reformers tried to solve problems in many ways. Women wrote letters, marched, and picketed for the right to vote. African Americans struggled for civil rights. Labor leaders and workers organized for better wages and safer working conditions. Reformers were successful in a number of areas:

Answers

GPT-4o mini
Grassroots reform refers to efforts initiated by ordinary citizens to address social injustices and bring about change, particularly evident during the Progressive Era. This movement was characterized by activists at the community level working to raise awareness about societal issues, as demonstrated by Jacob Riis’s influential book, *How the Other Half Lives*. Riis's vivid depiction of the harsh realities faced by the urban poor played a crucial role in shaping the reformist agenda of leaders like President Theodore Roosevelt.

The reformers drew inspiration from various sources, including newspapers and religious sermons, igniting a collective desire to improve American society. This grassroots activism took many forms, including women advocating for voting rights, African Americans fighting for civil rights, and labor leaders organizing for fair wages and safer working conditions. These bottom-up efforts were instrumental in driving significant changes across multiple areas of social reform.

Related Questions