Characteristics Of The Progressive Era

The legacy of the progressive movement was largely positive. During the progressive era Americans made great improvements in their way of life. Many Americans believed that the previous years of rapid industrialization and urbanization of America had created problems that needed correction. Progressives believed that, “direct purposeful human intervention was essential to ordering and bettering society.” One of the most noteworthy features of the progressive era was women and their role in reform movements. Women played and very important role in helping pass state and federal laws that regulated everything from conditions of woman and child labor to outlawing the manufacturing and selling of alcohol. The women’s suffrage movement was one of the largest reform movements of the time. At the time many critics felt that it was a very radical movement but by 1920 the 19th amendment was ratified and which granted women the right to vote. The progressive era also had a significant impact on African Americans of the time. They faced greater obstacles than any

America was incredibly lucky during this time to have two leaders that expanded the government’s power. Theodore Roosevelt was an admired public figure, having come to office after the assignation of President McKinley. He allied himself with reformers who urged regulation of trusts not destruction and helped reform them. He pushed for passage of the Meat Inspection Act, which helped eliminate many of the disease transmitted in impure meat. In 1907 he proposed more forceful reforms such as an eight hour work day, more compensation for victims of industrial accidents, inheritance and income taxes and regulation of the stock market. He also backed the National Reclamation Act, which provided federal funding for dams, reservoirs, and canals in the west. Even after his presidential term he continued to be involved in helping our