The Progressive Er The Late 19th And Early Twentieth Century

The Progressive Era brought forth a new group of reformers called the Progressives of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Progressives sought to address the significant social and economic problems caused by rapid industrialization and urbanization in the United States. In the area of state and federal government, the progressives worked to create a more democratic and accountable government by pushing for significant reforms. They focused on reducing the influence of political machines and corrupt politicians on the political process. To achieve this, progressive politicians such as "Fighting Bob" LaFollete advocated for the direct election of senators, establishing civil service systems, and introducing the initiative, referendum, and recall. These

These reforms aim to provide American workers with a more equitable and just workplace. Regarding city living conditions, the progressives were concerned about urbanization's impact on city dwellers' quality of life. They sought to address the problems of overcrowding, unsanitary living conditions, and lack of access to public services. One progressive who brought about social change is Jacob Riis, who published, "How the Other Half Lives." In Riis' book, he details the living conditions in New York slums and sweatshops. They advocated for the establishment of housing and sanitary codes, the creation of parks and recreational areas, and the improvement of public transportation. They also worked to eliminate slums and tenements and provide city residents with a better quality of life. These reforms aimed to provide a more livable environment for American city dwellers. However, despite their efforts, the Progressive Era reformers faced significant challenges in implementing their reforms. For example, political machines and entrenched special interests often obstructed their efforts to create a more responsive