03.10.06

UIS Spring, 2006 - Understanding US History

Posted in at 1:28 am by Stephanie

Based on the sources provided as well as the dictionary definition¹and the entry from Wikipedia², I define progressivism as anything in the political process that promotes better conditions for society.

These are 2 quotes that I found most informative and inspiring:

1. “Progressivism is an umbrella label for a wide range of economic, political, social, and moral reforms. These included efforts to outlaw the sale of alcohol; regulate child labor and sweatshops; scientifically manage natural resources; insure pure and wholesome water and milk; Americanize immigrants or restrict immigration altogether; and bust or regulate trusts. Drawing support from the urban, college-educated middle class, Progressive reformers sought to eliminate corruption in government, regulate business practices, address health hazards, improve working conditions, and give the public more direct control over government through direct primaries to nominate candidates for public office, direct election of Senators, the initiative, referendum, and recall, and women’s suffrage.”³
2. “This country belongs to the people who inhabit it. Its resources, its business, its institutions and its laws should be utilized, maintained or altered in whatever manner will best promote the general interest.”⁴

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Sources:
¹“the political orientation of those who favor progress toward better conditions in government and society” in dictionary.com

² “Progressivism is a political philosophy whose adherents promote public policies that they believe would lead to positive social change.” (”Progressivism” in Wikipedia

³“Learn About the Progressive Era” in Digital History

⁴“Platform of the Progressive Party” in American Experience - The Presidents - Theodore Roosevelt

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