Progressivism was a transformation movement in the United States that continued from the late 1800s to the early 1900s, during which chief scholars and social crusaders aimed to address the economic, political, and cultural issues that arose as a result of the rapid changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution and the rise of modern capitalism. The Progressives thought that these variations marked the completion of the old mandate and required the formation of a new order suitable for the new industrial age. The progressive era positively shaped American politics because the political campaigners aimed at destroying the corrupt and establish a direct democracy. During this period new government rules and regulations, new agencies like Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were created to ensure people’s well-being. By trust-busting societal activists sought regulation of monopolies as a way of promoting equal competition for the advantage of legitimate competitors.
Throughout this age, direct election of Senators, direct election of political candidates, and the referendum process in the states was initiated unlike before where they were appointed by the legislatures. Civil service tests were introduced to replace political sponsorship (Paul, 2021). Progressives built on this new groundwork and increasing levels of support from the American public, successfully gathering an earnest list of plan accomplishments over the last century. They included eight-hour workday and forty-hour workweek, full lawful equality, legitimate right to vote, and eradication of formal discrimination for women to ensure social justice. Progressivism had a positive impact on the American economy in so many areas like urbanization, industrialization, and immigration. Social activists supported education as a way of bridging the gap between the current wasteful society and the future that is enlightened with technology (Vercelli, 2021). Frederick Winslow Taylor executed scientific management as a way of eliminating industrial efficiency and as a watchword for industrial efficiency.
The most urgent reform needed at that time was a better transport system. Railways were available so only roads were needed and so congress approved $75 million together with the Bureau of Public Roads to be used in construction (Barlevy & Fisher, 2020). Schools were also improved, new buildings and more professional teachers were employed to ensure quality education. This era saw an increased rate of divorce because women wanted to be free from their homes and also seek education. The progressive period had a great impact on the American culture as well, especially on the separate duties between men and women. Before, women were expected to do all the cooking and cleaning in the house, which affected how they performed their duties in various workplaces. Men on the other hand found homes as a refuge from their tiresome office work. With an increase in technology, there was the introduction of electricity, garbage pickups, indoor plumbing, and gas, which made some chores easy. Women then became responsible for maintaining these new things; they also became a target for advertising household appliances.
With most household chores done through technological help more women were allowed to do office work. With the reduction in the working hours, people discovered hobbies and other things to do during their extra free time. Progressives in different parts of the country encouraged municipal governments to build recreation parks. They believed that in those parks children would spend time with their parents, thereby fostering good morals and citizenship in them. Finally, based on the above explanations, I am disagreeing with the statement, that the rise in progressive movement around the turn of the twentieth century shaped the politics, culture, and economy of the United States negatively.
References
Barlevy, G., & Fisher, J. (2020). Why were interest-only mortgages so popular during the U.S. housing boom? Review of Economic Dynamics. Web.
Johnson, P. (2021). A history of the American people (pp. 511-611).
Vercelli, S. (2021). Bridging the Gap between Technology and Culture: Is CCS Going to Be Part of Our Future? SSRN Electronic Journal. Web.