Courtney+C.+-+RP+-+SP12

Courtney Crowley APUSH Wimmer 3/8/11

The Progressive Era was a period of reform that flourished between the years of 1902 and 1920. It was meant to be a time for purification and removal of corruption within America. By 1900 the country had exceeded its expectations within its economy. America’s industrial production had surpassed that of Britain, Germany, and France combined (Progressive). The national economic output had increase by 85% and the North and South had finally reunited with the interest of the nation in mind (Progressive). It seemed, that based on these examples, America really was progressing. In actuality, it was still pursuing a better world. It needed to create solutions to the problems created by industrialization, urbanization, and immigration (Women).

Many refinements were proposed as reformers sought to make America, and the world around them, a better place for its people. Some of the changes introduced included idolizing the nation's first workers compensation program, passing laws to regulate factory safety, encouraging cooperatives, establishing a state income tax, and limiting work hours for women and children (Topics). These reformations indeed helped America. But a problem had developed… limiting human rights.

Progressivism was not a single movement but a collection of liberators seeking change (Women). One especially remarkable aspect of progressivism was the full participation of American women during the Women’s Rights movement. Women had been fighting for their rights since the 1800’s and now was the time to see a change. They had been denied many rights throughout most of the period and exercised what they saw as their right to be a citizen (Women). They thought it was just as much their responsibility to shape public policy as it was a man’s (Women). All humans should be granted the same freedoms no matter what their gender. The women argued they were just as capable as men and deserved the chance to be heard. This progressive reform created many institutions and policies we accept as a natural part of our life today (Women).

Progressives believed in the value of human rights which were being violated during World War I (Topics). Controversy within the nation sparked with the debate over whether America should or should not enter the war. Progressives felt strongly about joining the war in order to stop the human rights abuse (Topics). Soon, President Woodrow Wilson had agreed to insert the American army into the war. To do so, the army would need troops, and the troops would need men. A draft was imposed. It granted the wishes of the Progressives. Their want to enter the war was fulfilled, but it refuted their ideas concerning human rights. The draft forced American citizens to serve in a war whether they support it or not (Topics). The American government had violated their people’s freedom. The freedom of choice had been eliminated. They were no longer given the ability to decide whether they wanted to enter the military or not (Topics).

Progressing is the act of moving forward and changing for the better. The Progressive Era is the time in American history where our country was trying to move forward and improve as a nation. It is obvious we succeeded in advancing our nation. We purified much of the corrupt government and allowed women the right to vote. In this sense human rights were granted. But as politicians tried to please the Progressives, some human rights were inevitably taken away. The positive effects of this era had clearly come at a high cost. Work Cited "Progressive Era Politics Summary & Analysis." //Shmoop//. Web. 11 Mar. 2012. []. "Topics in Wisconsin History." //Short History//. Web. 11 Mar. 2012. []. "Women and The Progressive Era --National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary." //U.S.// //National Park Service - Experience Your America//. Web. 11 Mar. 2012. [].