The Progressive Era, typically defined as spanning from the 1890s to the 1920s in the United States, was a period of widespread social, political, and economic reform. Progressives sought to address the challenges posed by industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption. Here are some key practices and features of the Progressive Era:
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Social Reform: Progressives aimed to improve living conditions, especially for the urban poor. Efforts included housing reforms, better sanitation, and public health initiatives.
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Labor Rights: There was a push for labor rights, including the establishment of minimum wage laws, child labor laws, and workers' rights to organize and strike. Labor unions gained prominence during this period.
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Women's Suffrage: The women's suffrage movement gained significant traction during the Progressive Era, culminating in the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote.
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Education Reform: Progressives advocated for compulsory education laws, improved public schooling, and vocational training programs to prepare students for the workforce.
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Political Reform: Efforts were made to eliminate corruption in government. This included the introduction of initiatives, referendums, and recall votes to increase direct democracy, as well as the establishment of the secret ballot.
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Antitrust Legislation: Progressives sought to break up monopolies and trusts to promote competition. Landmark legislation, like the Sherman Antitrust Act (1890) and the Clayton Antitrust Act (1914), aimed to regulate corporate power.
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Environmental Conservation: The Progressive Era also saw the beginnings of the conservation movement, led by figures like John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt, who established national parks and forests to protect natural resources.
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Public Health Initiatives: Addressing issues like food safety, sanitation, and disease prevention, Progressives pushed for regulations and standards that led to the establishment of agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
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Muckraking Journalism: Investigative journalists known as "muckrakers" exposed corruption and social injustices, influencing public opinion and prompting reforms. Notable muckrakers included Upton Sinclair and Ida Tarbell.
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Urban Planning: As cities rapidly grew, Progressive reformers sought to improve city planning and development, including the establishment of parks, public transportation, and improved infrastructure.
The Progressive Era was marked by a belief in the potential for improvement and the power of government to enact change, reflecting a foundational shift in American social and political thought.