Essay On Progressive Era

The Progressive Era

The Progressive Era, which lasted from 1892 -1920 was a period of wide spread social activism that sought for political reform. Activist sought to remove corrupted representatives and regulate monopolies with an overall objective too further enhanced direct democracy. Activist of the progressive era sought too reformed and change every aspect of state, society and the economy. This Era both hindered and advanced the country by improving the social, cultural and economical way of operating the country. The labor force in particular was greatly effect by this Era, which fought for better wages and improved working conditions. Furthermore, activist wanted to abolish child labor by criminalizing it through legislative action. Progressives were concern with social problems such as the Industrial work force. Companies and corporations kept labor cost at a low, while making maximum profit by exploiting their workers. To accomplish this, companies paid their worker at slave wages, and forced employees to work all day and

For example, The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 which still today, prevents companies from over working and underpaying its people. Companies are required to pay a minimum wage which adheres to a standard of living that Americans have a right to. Companies cannot take advantage of its employees by forcing them to work an unheard of amount of hours without proper pay. There were numerous statues that regulated the employer of minors which are still in effect today. Under federal law the Fair Labor Standards Act state that no minor under the age of 14 can be employed. This prevents our youth from participating in the work force, and allows children to focus on other things such as their education. The progressive era has unintentionally has created economic issues in third world