Thursday, December 5, 2013

What is meant by the term "Progressivism?"

The term “progressivism” can be used in many different
ways, depending on the context and on who is speaking.  Since you have put this question
in the history group, I will assume that you are asking about progressivism in the
context of American history.  In that case, “progressivism” refers to a set of
middle-class, reformist ideas that were espoused by the Progressives, most notably in
the first two decades of the 20th century.


The Progressives
were mainly dedicated to the idea that the government should enact various reforms. 
Progressivism was a set of ideas that wanted the government to enact laws that would
reduce the powers of the rich elites while also improving the morals of society as a
whole.  It also envisioned private individuals and groups taking actions to improve
social values.


Progressivism, then, wanted laws like
antitrust laws and workplace safety laws to prevent rich elites from abusing those with
less money.  They wanted direct election of senators to prevent the rich from using
their money to corrupt the political system.  They wanted Prohibition to improve social
morals.  At the same time, they wanted private initiatives such as the settlement house
movement to help improve social values and conditions as
well.


Thus, “progressivism” was a philosophy that wanted
the government (and individuals) to work to reduce the power of the rich and to improve
social values and morals.

No comments:

Post a Comment

What accomplishments did Bill Clinton have as president?

Of course, Bill Clinton's presidency will be most clearly remembered for the fact that he was only the second president ever...