which of the following groups is most credited with advancing progressivism?

Vertimes 2025

2 min read

·

03-11-2024

77

0

Share

Who Were the Champions of Progressivism? A Look at the Key Players

Progressivism, a reform movement that swept the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, aimed to address social and economic problems arising from rapid industrialization. While many groups and individuals contributed to this movement, certain players stand out for their significant contributions.

The Muckrakers: Exposing the Dark Side of Progress

One group often cited as key players in the Progressive Era is the muckrakers, investigative journalists who exposed corruption, inequality, and social injustices through their writings. As noted by Journalism History (2014), the muckrakers "used their skills to expose the problems of the time, and helped to raise public awareness of them, leading to the passage of important reforms." ([1]).

These journalists, such as Upton Sinclair (author of The Jungle exposing the meatpacking industry) and Ida Tarbell (who exposed the unethical practices of Standard Oil), played a crucial role in sparking public outrage and demanding action.

The Social Gospel Movement: Bringing Religion to Social Reform

Another significant force driving progressivism was the Social Gospel movement, a religious movement that advocated for social justice and Christian principles to address societal ills. As The American Historical Review (2002) points out, "The Social Gospel movement was a powerful force in the Progressive Era, influencing social reform and shaping the debate over the role of religion in public life."([2])

Jane Addams and her Hull House in Chicago, a settlement house providing social services to the poor, exemplified the Social Gospel movement’s impact. This movement served as a moral compass, urging people to address issues like poverty, child labor, and inadequate living conditions.

Progressive Politicians: Implementing Change at the Grassroots

Theodore Roosevelt, often considered the "father of the Progressive movement", played a vital role by advocating for policies like trust-busting, environmental protection, and consumer rights. He championed the Square Deal which aimed to create a level playing field for businesses and workers.

Other notable progressive politicians included Woodrow Wilson, who introduced social reforms such as the Federal Reserve System, and Robert La Follette, a Wisconsin governor who advocated for progressive policies like direct primaries, initiative and referendum, and regulation of public utilities.

Women and Labor Unions: Advocating for Equal Rights and Better Working Conditions

Women played a significant role in the Progressive movement, actively campaigning for suffrage and addressing issues like child labor and workplace safety. The National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA), led by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, organized campaigns and rallies across the nation, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote.

Labor unions, such as the American Federation of Labor (AFL), also played a crucial role in advancing progressivism by demanding better working conditions, shorter hours, and the right to organize. They fought against child labor, unsafe workplaces, and unfair wages, pushing for legislation that improved workers' lives.

Conclusion

While numerous groups and individuals contributed to the Progressive Era, the muckrakers, the Social Gospel movement, progressive politicians, women, and labor unions emerged as key players in shaping the movement's success. By exposing social injustices, advocating for moral reform, enacting policy changes, and demanding equal rights, they left an indelible mark on American history.

References:

[1] Journalism History: "Muckraking and the Progressive Era" (2014). Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00225500.2014.896287

[2] The American Historical Review: "The Social Gospel and the Problem of Progress" (2002). Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/2693043

Note: This article is intended to provide a general overview of the topic. For a more in-depth analysis of the roles played by different groups and individuals in the Progressive Era, refer to the cited references and other scholarly sources.