Question

Identify the main contributing groups and philosophical ideas that drove the Progressive movement. Why did Progressives see the expansion of government powers in wartime an opportunity to reform American Society?

Answer 1

Progressivism and progressive movements have their origin in the enlightenment movements of the Europe which was more about coming out of the clutches of monarchy, respecting freedom and equality, individual rights and flourishing of arts and literature. In America, it was slightly different from the enlightenment that was in the Europe. In the wake of industrialisation, many people suffered from poverty, violence, racism, greed of the industry owners etc. Most of theeducated people started movements against these social evils and believed that only good education and safe working environments are the two most important things of the industrial society. Race equality movements, women empowerment movements, social security movements etc. were all paved the way for progressivism and even few American Presidents including Theodore Roosevelt belonged to progressivism.

It was very important for the American Society at that point of time to unite America that was scattered in the name of race, class and even gender inequality. Proponents of progressivism realized this problem, so they wanted to bring in more equality and opportunity for the oppressed class and gender because they were all well educated people.