The Progressive Era was a time of activism and reform. The need for reform was provoked when the exploitive upper class and impoverished working class threatened the middle class (Keene, 533). Progressives wanted to create a “socially just, capitalist America” (Keene, 534). The Progressive Era attempts to flourish with Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson’s contributions. Each of these individuals have their own opinions and goals, but they are all significant figures in this period. The Progressive Era efforts to reign in big business consist of “turning America into a middle-class paradise” (Keene, 534). Progressives had a plan to improve economic security, education, health, and civility (Keene, 534). Christian charity was used as a reform method because it was believed that Christians had a responsibility to create a sound and moral society (Keene, 534). To add, Hull House was a settlement house for the …show more content…
Roosevelt is known for his trust-busting goals, which strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) (Keene, 536). The ICC was stripped of authority, but Roosevelt reinstated the power to ICC to regulate railroad monopolies (Keene, 537). Telegraph and telephone communication industries were affected by Roosevelt’s trust-busting goals. “Roosevelt launched highly visible assaults on the Northern Securities and Standard Oil Trusts” because unreasonable restraints of interstate trade were illegal (Keene, 536). Next, Taft and Wilson have competing Progressive visions. Taft was willing to enforce existing Progressive reforms with no intention of initiating new ones while Wilson promised to restore a competitive marketplace where small businessmen and farmers thrived (Keene, 538). “Wilson won the presidency in 1912 by a landslide” because many of the voters preferred Progressivism over Socialism (Keene, 538). Even though these three individuals differ greatly, they were influential figures in