The progressive movement, which emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was characterized by a diverse set of beliefs and goals aimed at addressing the social, political, and economic issues brought about by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption in government. Key belief units of the progressive movement include:
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Social Justice and Equality: Progressives sought to address inequalities, including those related to race, gender, and class. This included advocating for women's suffrage, labor rights, and civil rights for African Americans.
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Government Reform: Many progressives believed in reducing corruption and inefficiency within government. They called for political reforms such as the direct election of senators, the initiative and referendum processes, and reforms to combat machine politics.
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Economic Regulation: Progressives aimed to regulate large corporations and monopolies to promote fair competition and protect consumers. This included advocating for antitrust laws and regulating industries such as railroads and banking.
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Environmental Conservation: There was a growing awareness of environmental issues, leading to calls for conservation of natural resources and the establishment of national parks and protected areas.
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Public Health and Safety: The movement emphasized the importance of public health, leading to reforms in sanitation, housing, and labor conditions to improve the quality of life and reduce disease.
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Education and Social Welfare: Progressives believed in the importance of education and sought to expand public schooling and social welfare programs to help the underprivileged.
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Scientific and Expert Governance: Many progressives advocated for the use of scientific methods and expert knowledge in governance to improve efficiency and effectiveness in public administration.
Overall, the progressive movement was a response to the challenges posed by modernity and sought to create a more just, equitable, and efficient society through a combination of activism, reform, and engagement with government.