The Progressives were influenced by the Populist movement, but whereas Populists were often rural and working class Americans, Progressives were middle class and educated. Moreover, Populists had largely failed to obtain many of their goals, whereas the progressives of this time changed America in fundamental ways.
As we’ve seen, American society in the late 19th and early 20th century was marked by inequality, corruption, and a feeling that the average American had little to no say in the government. The Progressives fought for more and better representation in government, more equality, and more accountability from their elected officials. The result is mixed. While major constitutional reforms occurred, there were notable failures, especially regarding race.
As you think and discuss this history, What ideas animated American progressives? What major reforms did American progressives pursue? and How did American women and African-Americans shape the progressive movement?
To answer those questions, evaluate the following
1. Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois on Black Progress https://www.americanyawp.com/reader/20-the-progressive-era/booker-t-washington-w-e-b-dubois-on-black-progress-1895-1903/Links to an external site.
2. Jane Addams https://www.americanyawp.com/reader/20-the-progressive-era/jane-addams-the-subjective-necessity-for-social-settlements-1892/
3. Progress and Poverty, http://www.americanyawp.com/reader/16-capital-and-labor/henry-george-progress-and-poverty-selections-1879/Links to an external site.
4. Next! http://www.americanyawp.com/reader/20-the-progressive-era/standard-oil/Links to an external site.
5. Answering Objections to Women’s Suffrage, http://www.americanyawp.com/reader/20-the-progressive-era/alice-stone-blackwell-answering-objections-to-womens-suffrage-1917/Links to an external site.
