Progressive Movement Dbq

The Progressive Movement was a significant period in American history from 1890 to 1920, which saw a wide range of political, social, and economic changes in the country. The Industrial Revolution had an impact on the progressive movement. It created a more open and responsible government that would strive to advance American society. Across the United States, the Progressive Era saw considerable social action and political reform with a goal of eradicating corruption, monopolies, etc. Industrialization played a heavy role in the Progressive Movement. Progressives sought to expand the role of government in reform while preserving a capitalist economy. They were urban, middle-class reformers. The Progressive Movement had a great impact on political

People immigrated as a result of industrialization in search of better economic prospects and working conditions. This resulted in several hazardous employment and unsafe working conditions. Up until the point where working was intolerable, immigrants were willing to do any job that paid well. Monopolies and trusts increased in number as the economy of the nation flourished. As stated in Document 2, “The great corporations which we have grown to speak of rather loosely as trusts are the creatures of the State, and the State not only has the right to control them, but it is in duty bound to control them wherever the need of such control is shown. Due to the fact that businesses were closing down, this finally resulted in the Sherman Antitrust Act, which forbade trusts from having total control and dictating in a specific industry. Document 2 was taken from a speech told in the point of view of Theodore Roosevelt, who was speaking upon the emergence of monopolies and

As stated in document 6, "Every means known to scientific administration is being introduced in the police department and systematic methods are being installed to take away every vestige of waste in man-power.” Social injustice was becoming an issue more and more as civil liberties were being taken away. This is related to Du Bois's struggle for social equality, but in this instance it revealed the corruption that was going on behind the scenes. Additionaly, Document 3 states, “Why is it not the duty of the state, instead of asking merely whether a boy or a girl has committed a specific offense, to find out what he is, physically, mentally, morally, and then if it learns that he is treading the path that leads to criminality, to take him in charge, not so much to punish as to reform, not to degrade but to uplift, not to crush but to develop, not to make him a criminal but a worthy citizen.”This demonstrates the need to aid individuals who may be on the path to committing crimes rather than condemning them. As a result, there is inequality because they continuously refuse to aid people who would be considered criminals. Moreover, Document 1 illustrates the corrupt administration that emerged as a result of further inspection of the government as stated, “[The] Hull-House [social settlement] had instigated [a political campaign] against a powerful alderman who has held office for