How Successful Was The Progressive Era
The 1800s were a time of swift industrialization for the United States. Brisk changes in industry brought about radical complications in the social, economic and political structure of the country. U.S. Senator Elihu Root spoke of these changes in a 1913 speech, “The real difficulty appears to be that of the new conditions (growing from) the industrial development.” A new group of reformers, labeled the Progressives, rose to power in response to the conflicts. The Progressive Era lasted from 1890 to 1920, with its beginning being that of a social movement and later becoming a political movement. U.S. Senator Albert Beveridge was a keynote speaker at the 1912 Progressive Party convention. Senator Beveridge summarized the Progressive platform
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Legislation was passed in many states to limit funds for election campaigns, restrict corporate gifts and provide new balloting procedures to counter voter intimidation. President Woodrow Wilson reminded the nation in his inaugural speech in 1913 about the evils of government, when he stated “Our great government we loved has too often been made use of for private and selfish purposes, and those who used it has forgotten the people.” A main objective of the progressives was the direct election of U.S. senators. However, it was very hard to gain support for the reform until voters in primary elections let their desires be known. Due to this tension from voters, the 17th Amendment was approved in 1913, addressing U.S. senator …show more content…
Time and time again through history citizens have met the social challenge to enact advancements. Legislation of same sex marriage is a prime example of progressive reform in today’s society. There are still many issues in society that still need to be addressed today. Due to the many recent school shootings, gun control is a popular reform topic currently. Climate change, racial injustice and immigration issues are also important concerns that warrant discussion. While these matters can’t be ignored there are some reforms in place that need to be abolished. Income tax is one of them. Americans need a tax system that will bolster the economy and be fair to everyone. Many analysts advocate a national sales tax to achieve this
Legislation was passed in many states to limit funds for election campaigns, restrict corporate gifts and provide new balloting procedures to counter voter intimidation. President Woodrow Wilson reminded the nation in his inaugural speech in 1913 about the evils of government, when he stated “Our great government we loved has too often been made use of for private and selfish purposes, and those who used it has forgotten the people.” A main objective of the progressives was the direct election of U.S. senators. However, it was very hard to gain support for the reform until voters in primary elections let their desires be known. Due to this tension from voters, the 17th Amendment was approved in 1913, addressing U.S. senator …show more content…
Time and time again through history citizens have met the social challenge to enact advancements. Legislation of same sex marriage is a prime example of progressive reform in today’s society. There are still many issues in society that still need to be addressed today. Due to the many recent school shootings, gun control is a popular reform topic currently. Climate change, racial injustice and immigration issues are also important concerns that warrant discussion. While these matters can’t be ignored there are some reforms in place that need to be abolished. Income tax is one of them. Americans need a tax system that will bolster the economy and be fair to everyone. Many analysts advocate a national sales tax to achieve this