1. The Progressive Era: 1890-1920s

2. Progressive Era: What, When, Why
Between the years:
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.

3. Who Were the Progressives?
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.

4. Goals of the Progressive Movement
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.

5. What helped the movement grow?
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.

6. PROGRESSIVISM Suffragettes Labor Unions Civi l Rights Muckrakers
M i d c l a s s W o m e n
Labor
Unions
Civi l Rights
Muckrakers
Temperance
Popul
ists