Transcript The Progressive Era

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Between the years: 1890-1920
The Progressive Movement was a REFORM
movement that worked to correct the abuses of
American society.
By 1900, the U.S. was a rich and powerful
nation. Industrialization, urbanization, and
immigration had transformed the U.S. into a
major world economy.
Changes in American life brought problems. The
negative effects of these changes led many
Americans to call for reform.
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Not a single group of people. They were made up
of many different kinds of Americans and
movements.
Progressives were: mainly city dwellers; educated
professionals- doctors, lawyers, social workers,
clergy, teachers.
Muckrakers: Journalists, writers, artists, and
photographers who helped bring reform issues to
the attention of the public.
Investigated and exposed corruption and injustice
through articles in mass-circulation magazines.
Wrote novels that dramatized situations
demanding reform.
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Believed that abuses of power by government and
business should be ended.
Believed that new developments in technology and
science should be used to improve American
institutions- business, government, education, family
life.
Believed in capitalism and were concerned with
growth of socialism as a more radical reaction to
effects of industrialization.
Believed that politics were corrupt
Believed that a strong government could and should
correct abuses and protect rights.
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It was centered in cities – where most of the
population was living at the time.
The telephone and telegraph helped make
communication faster.
Mass circulation of newspapers and magazines
spread progressive ideas.
Growing U.S. economy and optimistic climate
among Americans.
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