Progressivism

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Progressivism

Progressivism aimed at attaining social, economic, and political developments in America. Its objectives included the execution of reforms in the federal government through the formulation of new policies, regulating the economy, promoting urbanization in an effort to suppress poverty, and campaigning for the civil liberties of the less privileged in the society. Nonetheless, as indicated in this article, these transformations faced several challenges. One such problem is the social inequality instigated by certain business policies in the country. From this article, it is evident that the regulating forces promoted a monopolistic framework. This reduced the opportunities for the general population to trade in certain products in the market as well as invest in various public and private subdivisions. Likewise, this essay highlights that the popular industrialization revolution in the 19^th century resulted in a fluctuation in the supply and demand elements as well as a reduction of employment opportunities. The article relates this to an increase in poverty levels in the country. These difficulties instigated the campaigns of the progressive reformers.

            In addition, the essayist compiles these complexities as an effect of the ‘America as a melting pot’ ideology. The social and political elites understood that most of the immigrants were desperate for better living standards. The subsequent exploitation included the prohibition of labor laws and movements, meager earnings, increased working hours, and harsh environments. Moreover, most entrepreneurs employed children as part of their exploitation scheme. Nonetheless, as highlighted in the article, progressivism improved the conditions through the Clayton Act that required all industries to respect the civil rights of their workers. The justifications offered in this paper with reference to the problems that instigated progressivism in the United States are an indication of the negative effects of capitalism and the quest of being a global power.