2 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Just after the First World War, our country experienced one of the most influential eras of all time. The Progressive Era, which took place approximately between 1900 and 1914, brought forth major political, social, and economical changes by modernizing how people thought about the way a solid government should be run and the roles that women and children should play in society.

Led mainly by social crusaders, scientists, socialists, and former Mugwumps, the political aspects of change were influenced greatly by the president Teddy Roosevelt. As he introduced his "square deal", many citizens were quick to follow him in the hopes that they would gain equality and a fair chance at success.
Teddy Roosevelt was also the first president to really distinguish between good and bad trusts, and quickly succeeded in breaking up 44 unnecessary trusts.
Other key political reforms were the Australian Ballot and the direct election of senators. The Australian Ballot allowed for more privacy in voting, however it discouraged the less educated members of society from voting because of their lack of reading skills. The direct election of senators, however, was a larger success. Tired of the "Millionaires Club" always taking office, many progressives pushed for their vote to count, instead of just the wealthy gaining leadership. The seventeenth amendment called for the direct election of senators and was one of the most important outcomes of the era.
Socially, the progressive era dealt mainly with the rights of women. The National American Woman Suffrage Association came about, and women started taking the lead in many social issues. Jane Addams founded the Hull House, which was a place for new emigrants to stay while they began work and saved money. Florence Kelley also served a major role in society as a reformer who affected several different labor laws. Finally, the nineteenth amendment came about, which allowed women the right to vote.
Along with strengthening women's roles, the interest in public health was heightened. Upton Sinclair wrote "The Jungle", which was originally about working conditions, but ended up exposing the gross conditions of factories and the unacceptable state of meat. This led to the Pure Food and Drugs Act of 1906.
Not every change in the social reforms, however, were positive. Many progressives tried to impose Wasp values, which seemed very restrictive to the modernizing public. Prohibition was put into place, and the eighteenth amendment came about. Also, little was done to help African-American citizens, and the enthusiasm the public once thrived on was lost after the was.
The final affects of the Progressive Era were economic. When President Roosevelt's term ended, Taft became president, and quickly earned the nickname "Trustbuster", as he broke up 90 trusts, over double what Roosevelt had.
Public interest in working laws and restrictions increased, and soon child labor laws became an issue. John Spargo wrote "The Bitter Cry of the Children", which discussed child labor issues. Instead of going to school and gaining an education, many children were forced to work in mills and textile factories. Also, work day restrictions were discussed, and the Adamson Act, which called for an eight hour work day, was effectively put into place.
Although the Progressive Era had its minor setbacks, it was, as a whole, beneficial to the shaping of this country. Without it, women may not have gained the right to vote, and public office may still be run by the rich and powerful.

Learn more about this author, Lindsey Baker.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Results of the progressive era?
We want to hear your view. Write now!