Progressivism

The laudable efforts of Progressive politicians included trust busting, creating more equitable social institutions, preserving the environment, and protecting the rights of workers. Indeed, progressive activists in the nineteenth century helped eliminate nefarious social institutions like child labor, curbed the encroachment of big business on personal rights and freedoms, and paved the way for effective labor movements and organizations. Progressivism arose at a meaningful time in American history, too, when industrialization and urbanization changed the essential character of American life. Moreover, the abolition of slavery also had major implications for the future of the country. At and after the turn of the century, the United States would also be forced to address thorny foreign policy issues.

The nation dealt with the tremendous social changes taking place, and progressivism would prove a viable force in oppositional politics. However, the tenets and platform of the Progressive party would soon make their way into the mainstream. Progressivism opened doorways for vocal political activism, enabling workers and other disenfranchised citizens to assert and gain rights. When placed within a historical context, Progressivism was truly progressive for its willingness to embrace change while preserving human rights and social justice.

Progressivism did not address all aspects of social justice and human rights, however. The movement failed to acknowledge racism and the abject failure of Reconstruction to have dealt with the legacy of slavery. Progressivism focused on urban issues often by neglecting the needs of Americans who still lived in rural regions. Moreover, many progressive politicians opposed liberal immigration policies and especially targeted aspiring immigrants not from Western Europe. Perhaps the most insipid manifestation of progressivism's ironic backwardness was the fact that many progressive leaders supported social Darwinian ideals and were outspokenly racist. Progressivism made great inroads in preparing the United States for its role as a world superpower. At the same time the movement revealed disturbing trends in the American consciousness that continue to plague the nation today.