The Progressive Era: Reform in America

After 1900, Americans became fixated on reforming everything that could be reformed. This common strive for a better society was deemed progressivism and became popular with people of all different agendas. Progressivism was characterized by interest in intellectual pursuits and efficiency. In the end, this broad effort was responsible for empowering women, reforming the government, renewing the fight for black rights, and producing presidents who reformed corporate business and social services.

Progressivism commonly used scientific investigation to gather information about things that required reform. This methodical approach was also applied to the workplace through scientific management. Even the media picked up on the popularity of progressivism with the new type of journalism: mudraking. Mudraking publications exposed problems and injustices in America.

Another important group of people to join in the progressive movement were American women. Seeing an opportunity to increase their value to society, they began heading charitable programs like settlement houses. Empowered by the impact they made, women began gravitating towards feminism, a movement focused on equal rights and freedoms for women.

Meanwhile, politicians like Robert M. La Follette started realizing how corrupt the government had become and began the struggle to reform the government and political machines. Progressive politicians wanted a more democratic government and, therefore, put importance on initiatives and recalls. However, progressives made little progress with municipal reforms.

Working-class Americans also began to take up the progressive cause. Workers tried to unionize and solve problems without government aid, but could not make much progress. Courts rarely favored unions and did not hesitate to put court orders in place to prevent workers from striking or boycotting. Furthermore, workers could not make much progress in accident liability or other types of compensation.