Progressive Era Dbq

The Progressive Era was a period of immense change during the turn of the nineteenth century. Progressives were a diverse group of politicians and citizens who desired a change in the economic, social, and political atmosphere of the time. Their activism and reform come under question from historians because of their lack of unity, and thus the validity and effectiveness of the movement is challenged. However, the Progressives were successful to a certain extent- they were successful in influencing legislation for general improvements, despite their lack of homogeneity. Three key presidents took on the Progressive label- Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson. This succession of leaders influenced the creation of progressive legislation. The goal of

Under his seven-and-a-half year reign, Roosevelt accomplished these goals by passing various laws including the Pure Food and Drug Act, Newlands Act, and the National Monuments Act. He also strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission through the Hepburn Act and Mann-Elkins Act. The Square Deal was definitely fulfilled, and some aspects were even carried through by Roosevelt’s successor, William Taft. Taft and Roosevelt were known for their massive amounts of trust busting- notably the Standard Oil Company and Northern Trusts. Nevertheless, some historians believe that these policies were useless: “the period was one of useless rhetoric, business domination by the government” (Buenker, Burnham, & Crunden 1). But 143 trusts were broken up under the presidencies of Taft and Roosevelt. It is clear that their rhetoric and ‘business domination’ clearly had some effect. Under Wilson, 4

Women’s suffrage began early on, in the mid 1800s, and only came to fruition in 1920. Suffragettes formed groups to fight for their rights, and the passage of the nineteenth amendments demonstrate the success of these groups, including the National Woman’s Party and the National American Woman Suffrage Association on politics. Progressivism was at it roots, a group movement, and the passage of this amendment signifies the inherent triumph of Progressivism. Goals of the Progressives were simple when simmered down: “Progressives sought to improve the conditions of life and labor and to create as much social stability as possible” (Link and McCormick 182). The accomplishment of female suffrage improves the female condition of life and betters social stability, as well as extends democracy. Prohibition has a similar role- the temperance movement began early, and only manifested itself nationally in 1919. The success of temperance groups such as the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union and the Anti- Saloon League prove the effectiveness of these organized groups on legislation, which is inherently Progressive. The implementation of political Progressivism also was an effective measure of Progressivism. The goals of limiting corrupt politics and spreading democracy were definitively completed during this era. A significant part of Progressive reform was the improvement of the political system (Link