Progressivism and imperialism are two important historical events that shaped the history of the United States during the early 20 th century. Progressivism was a reform movement that started in the late 19 th century and extended to the early 20 th century. Social reformers and intellectuals sought to address several social, political, and economic issues given the significant changes brought about by the industrial revolution and the modern capitalism. Imperialism, on the other hand, was a strategy that the US employed in a bid to assert its dominance over foreign countries such as Spain, Mexico, and China. It shaped the nation’s foreign relations and set it on the path of becoming a global superpower.
Out of the two changes, the one that holistically impacted the US was the Progressivism. Reformers of this era showed purpose and intent to control the power of the federal government and remove all the unfair and unethical practices such as corruption. They further sought to counteract the negative social impacts that came with industrialization. Although industrialization was primarily viewed in a positive light, corporate bosses or robber barons engaged in unethical business practices aimed at elimination competition and heightening the prices (Gould, 2014). Factory workers experienced poor and deteriorated working conditions. As a result, there was a widening gap between the rich and the poor.
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The Progressive movement came as a result of the widening adverse effects of industrialization. The reformers aimed at strengthening the private sector, advocating for the protection of consumers and workers, and also expose the widespread corruption in government. Reform movements sprouted all over the country especially those representing the workers to fight the corruption witnessed throughout the Gilded Age (Gould, 2014).Socialists also joined the bandwagon in a move to create a new world order that was more cognizant of the needs of the low-class. Politics also shaped the period with Theodore Roosevelt expanding presidential powers using bully techniques and Woodrow Wilson gaining reputation as the most progressive president.
Reference
Gould, L. L. (2014). America in the progressive era, 1890-1914 . Routledge.
