Analyzing The Historical Context Of The Progressive Movement

As the 2016 Presidential race begins to capture the public’s attention, the question, how engaged the public is in the democratic process, remains unanswered. What are ways to promote the public’s informed political involvement is just as pertinent today as it was in at the dawn of the twentieth century known as the Progressive Era. Some progressive activist such as Irene Sargent saw city beautification as a path to encourage civic pride, which leads to an involved public. Others like Professor Charles Zublen believed a continually educated public would become in involved in public hall meetings and a council form of government. Zueblin’s idealistic vision was thwarted by University of Chicago President Harry Pratt Judson’s objections

Urban areas had unprecedented growth due to immigration and migration from the south due to high industrial growth. Urban political bosses were losing some of their power due to political corruption exposed by “Muckraking” journalist of the day. They hoped progress would be possible by an informed public. However, activist Irene Sargent saw a sense of civic pride instrumental in encouraging the desire for an informed and engaged urban community. Sargent stood in direct opposition to burgeoning commercialization with huge billboards running rampant in the cities. She envisioned cities more in line with the ancient cities, Athens and Rome, along with cities of the Renaissance period. These cities, with their grandeur buildings and public spaces adorned with art and statues, encouraged gatherings for serious discourse. Therefore, Sargent envisioned that by working towards city beautification, urban dwellers would become much more involved in the community spawned by a sense of public pride. Critics saw her views as elitist and would further deepen the abyss between the “haves and the have-nots.” They had problems linking ancient cities with those in the modern world. However, there was another beautiful city activist while embracing Sargent’s views took them a few steps further, Charles