Progressivism and the Age of Reform - Essay Example

Progressivism Progressivism is illustrated as reform movement initiated following the effects of industrialisation and urbanisation in the American society. The movement reached its peak in the 20th century with the aim of purifying government structures that were deemed as corrupt and carefree. Initially, the movement operated at local levels to push for reforms in local government, but later drew support from the middle class to expand to across state lines to national levels. The progressive era was characterised by sustained condemnation of individualism and individual rights. Social activists and reformists advocated for favourable attitude towards the urban-industrial society and called for efficient government intervention. The intervention sought to resolve economic and social disparities owing to unfriendly policies that favoured a selected few (Eisenstark et al 3). The movement argued that the government should be an agent of human welfare, an aspect that ought to cut across socioeconomic levels. In addition, progressives were against large corporations that were seen to have poor working conditions with little compensation. As such, the movement sought responsible citizenship and democracy with regard to elections, referendum, and recall. In light of this, the progressives recommended the adoption of secret ballot during elections, candidate nomination through primaries, and direct election of senators under political reforms. The movement also urged for regulation of large corporations and monopolies, which were seen to benefit top management at the expense of the employees. Progressives called for social justice to limit child and female labour and drinking. Intensive lobbying by the progressives achieved changes in various aspects of life under prevailing conditions. These changes saw social, economic, and political reforms that were geared towards quelling public dissatisfaction. Social reforms majored on education, women rights, and problems facing minorities in America society. The lack of education was illustrated as a major cause increasing levels of poverty and progressives advocated for modernisation of schools. Changes in the education system transformed schoolhouses into consolidated school districts that offered graded class. Prohibition laws were also established in an effort to curb rampant alcohol consumption in saloons, which were regarded as gathering placing for political machines (Milkis and Mileur 138). The progressives concern of alcohol consumption was based on the negative effects felt at social and economic levels. The prohibition laws served to encourage efficiency in the economic front as employers were in need of sober workers. Minority groups, particularly African Americans faced increasing violence in most parts of the country owing to the tension over economic competition. As such, African Americans were lynched and executed, which initiated calls for laws against such acts. Progressives worked to end such atrocities against the African Americans signalling the beginning of struggles against racial discrimination. African American organisations cultivated for local approvals from the majority whites to establish black educational institutions such as Tuskegee Institute. Progressive concerns about deplorable working conditions and child labour were characteristic of economic reforms. The reforms stipulated and enforced safety regulation with frequent inspections serving to improve the working conditions of workers. In addition, the employers were expected to offer injury compensation for all workers. Similarly, some states passed laws limiting working hours for women while abolishing child labour and setting a minimum age for employment. However, this did not settle in well for some families that needed more income in order to survive. In line with improving the living standards, progressives advocated for housing laws that aimed at replacing tenements with better housing. The tenements were settlement houses ran by upper-middle class citizens who sought to make difference in the society. The houses were often overcrowded with poor sanitation. The legislation required hiring of inspectors to ensure that stipulated standards are met in terms of sanitation and safety. The reformists were also concerned at the rate at which private companies exploited natural resources. This posed an environmental and economic concern since the companies were not involved in conservation efforts. President Roosevelt is illustrated as the first in office at the time seeking to protect the environment by initiating laws to reserve forestland. As president, he advocated for a fair deal for all by establishing control over various corporations including railroad, coal mining among others. The establishment of the department of commerce and labour sought to oversee the business activities and ensure compliance to labour laws. Progressivism sought political changes that established a responsible and highly efficient government through public participation in the political process. In this regard, governance would be more democratic and all citizens participate in electing leader as opposed to career politicians with moneyed interests. Reforms introduced through progressive advocacy include direct primaries where voter chose candidates rather than political-party leaders (Aaron 29). In addition, voters had the power to remove elected official from office owing poor performance or gross misconduct such as corruption cases. The initiative process provides citizens with opportunities to collect signatures on a petition that can initiate a referendum to approve or reject the petition. By enforcing the will of citizens, corrupt leaders were kept at bay as previously appointed senators were elected. The reforms form the basis of the present political process in America, which supports the will of citizens by empowering them to elect their leaders freely. Despite the objectives, the progressive movement faced weaknesses leading to its decline owing to a myriad of goals that were often confusing and contradictory. Following the numerous objective, the movement lacked a universal and clear-cut strategy leading to different opinions on implementation. This demonstrates the narrowness of the progressives’ social vision despite the noble intention. This further generated trust concerns owing the limitation in its definition of public interest. Consequently, material progress of the citizens reduced the zeal of reformers in favour of the status quo. The declining morale among reformers could also be attributed to continued frustrations by constitutional organs such as the courts, which struck down progressive legislation. The progressive movement lacked social control through the prohibition laws and failed to purge corruption. In addition, its strategies failed to break the middle class hegemony over the society. In view of the above, the influence over the government by businesspersons, and large corporations prevailed. The industries functioned to provide revenue and has most politicians were stakeholders, thus could separate themselves from the business operations. In spite of the labour legislations, child labour remained in place until Keating-Owen Act that prohibited the sale of goods manufactured by children. The act, however, was struck out after the Supreme Court described it as unconstitutional, contributing to the demise of social reforms. The movement failed to afford equal rights to minority groups and thus racism remained pervasive across America. This saw further persecution and discrimination of minority groups such as African Americans, Jews among other immigrants. Consequently, militia groups were established and protected by legal institutions such as law courts, which justified and repealed protective laws. Although the progressives recognised cultural diversity, much was not done to protect the minority groups following the failed attempts. The spirit of reforms through the progressive movement was dampened following the outbreak of the First World War as the focus shifted to the world’s alignment with regard to the war. By this time, the reformers became engrossed in the developing events and the efforts were often overshadowed. Moreover, the devastating effects of the war were given priority over political reforms. Works Cited Aaron, Willis. Progressivism and the Age of Reform, Social Studies, 2008. Print. Milkis, Sidney and Mileur, Jerome. Progressivism and the new democracy, University of Massachusetts Press, 1999. Print. Eisenstark, Reyna, Friedenthal, Lora and Weber, Jeniffer. Progressiveness, InfoBase Publishing, 2010. Print. Read More