Why Did The United States Move Into The Progressive Movement?
Luis Hernandez
History 17B
17 March 2024
Reflection Essay #2
At the beginning of the 20th century, the United States moved into the Progressive era. According to Foner, “The word “Progressive” [described] a broad, loosely defined political movement of individuals and groups who hoped to bring about significant change in American social and political life.” (Foner, 681). The main goal for Progressives was to push for social and political reform to improve the standard of living for American citizens. This era became a turning point for our nation because of changes in government policies and the expansion of the U.S. as an international superpower. Some of the noteworthy events that established this era were the Growth of Empire, the Women’s …show more content…
Firstly, one of the events that became a turning point for the U.S. was the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the passing of the 19th Amendment. The Women’s Suffrage Movement was started during the Progressive era when labor reform and a better standard of living for the average citizen became pushed. In addition, there was now a generation of women who protested traditional gender roles and promoted the idea of personal freedom as a woman. Critics like Charlotte Perkins Gilman questioned traditional beliefs and inspired women to become more independent. She mentioned, “When women stand free as economic agents, they will [achieve a] much better fulfillment of their duties as wives and mothers and [contribute] to the vast improvement in health and happiness of the human race.” (Gilman). These reformers would start the Women’s Suffrage Movement and they would adopt the word “feminism” to identify themselves and their cause. “Women who adopted the word “feminism” [expressed] their demand for greater liberty, free sexual expression and reproductive choice emerged as critical definitions of women’s emancipation.” (Foner, 699). Female reformers would form
History 17B
17 March 2024
Reflection Essay #2
At the beginning of the 20th century, the United States moved into the Progressive era. According to Foner, “The word “Progressive” [described] a broad, loosely defined political movement of individuals and groups who hoped to bring about significant change in American social and political life.” (Foner, 681). The main goal for Progressives was to push for social and political reform to improve the standard of living for American citizens. This era became a turning point for our nation because of changes in government policies and the expansion of the U.S. as an international superpower. Some of the noteworthy events that established this era were the Growth of Empire, the Women’s …show more content…
Firstly, one of the events that became a turning point for the U.S. was the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the passing of the 19th Amendment. The Women’s Suffrage Movement was started during the Progressive era when labor reform and a better standard of living for the average citizen became pushed. In addition, there was now a generation of women who protested traditional gender roles and promoted the idea of personal freedom as a woman. Critics like Charlotte Perkins Gilman questioned traditional beliefs and inspired women to become more independent. She mentioned, “When women stand free as economic agents, they will [achieve a] much better fulfillment of their duties as wives and mothers and [contribute] to the vast improvement in health and happiness of the human race.” (Gilman). These reformers would start the Women’s Suffrage Movement and they would adopt the word “feminism” to identify themselves and their cause. “Women who adopted the word “feminism” [expressed] their demand for greater liberty, free sexual expression and reproductive choice emerged as critical definitions of women’s emancipation.” (Foner, 699). Female reformers would form