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Emma Hull 3/8/12 Although the the purpose of the Progressive Era was to move the nation forward, how did the United States trample on the civil liberties of Americans from 1902 - 1920

The Progressive Era was a movement in the United States that sparked advancements for the country. The period lasted till1920 and in the time the economy and democracy blossomed. The Civil War had just ended and the North and the South were finally on terms with new business opportunities. Immigrants were coming in from various countries and being put to work in factories. With the advancements in industrialization and urbanization in the Progressive Era came issues with human rights or civil liberties.

In the Progressive Era there was a boost in the economy because of industrialization. The total economic output raised to 85%. The industrial production of the US was more than Germany, France and Britain all together in the year of 1920. With all of this success there had to be a downfall. That downfall was how the civil liberties of Americans were being limited.

In the factories, many were being overworked for little pay. The conditions of the factories were not up to par. Women and children were forced to work. This caused many to go on strike. Reformers worked to change this issue, but just trampled the civil liberties of Americans. They may have indeed change it, but they opened up other issues too.

During the Progressive Era, America joined War World I. The US ended up joining World War I because the progressives believed in joining to end the corruption of civil liberties. The country was divided in the arguments in joining the war. When President Wilson agreed to join the war many men were drafted. The men had their rights trampled on because whether or not they wanted they were for the war, they were forced to fight.

A big issue at the time was women's rights. The main topic was allowing women the right to vote. At first women just wanted to have a say politically, but the men would not listen to what they had to say. They realized that the only way they could get their views noticed was to fight for the right to vote. The progressives wanted women to have the right to vote to change from the days of women suffrage. The process was done democratically and has changed history.

The Progressive Era was meant to change America to a more successful and prosperous country. The era did accomplish that, but it demolished the civil liberties of the US citizens. The progressives fought for issue such as women's rights, joining the war, immigration restrictions, and improvements in the industries. As the country advanced in the Progressive Era, compromises regarding civil liberties being taken away had to occur for the development of the country. Works Cited "Progressive Era Politics Summary & Analysis." Shmoop: Homework Help, Teacher Resources, Test Prep. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2012. < [|__http://www.shmoop.com/progressive-era-politics/summary.html__] >. "Women in the Progressive Era." National Women's History Museum - NWHM. N.p., n.d. Web. 8 Mar. 2012. < [|__http://www.nwhm.org/online-exhibits/progressiveera/suffrage.html__] >.