Progressivism: social justice Movement in response to social problems in the 1890s (needed new ideas and efficient honest government A. Origins of Progressivism
Came from all walks of life: diff political parties, social classes, ethnic groups and religions (middle class, industrial workers, and wealthy)… wanted to make life better for the poor 1. Progressives Share Common Beliefs
-that Industrialization and Urbanization troubling social and political problems
-wanted to make changes to correct these problems and injustices
*encouraged local and state government (legislatures) to enact laws to help the poor
-use logic and reason to make society work more efficiently (Progressive)
-religious fate motivated social justices
-similar to the Populist Movement…both wanted to ~get rid of corrupt government officials
~make government more responsive to people’s needs
~eliminate abuse of big business
Progressive: Middle class, wanted highly educated leaders to use modern ideas and scientific techniques to improve life
Populist: farmers and workers 2. Progressives Target a Variety of Problems
Political Reform
-women wining the right to vote
-honest government: city officials who built corrupt organizations (political machines) used bribery and violence to influence voters and win the elections… loyalty to people who voted to them and help solve personnel problems
*Municipal Services: basic services that residents expect city government to provide in exchange for taxes- sewer, water, streets, school, food industries, fire, ambulance, policies, and transportation
*Big Business- wanted government to do more to break up big businesses (trusts) and create more