Muckraking and the Progressive Movement - 626 Words

Progressivism is a movement that occurred at the turn of the 20th century, up until World War I. The movement consisted of a wide variety of people and groups, all unified by the idea that a basic change in economic principle was required to remedy the ills of the Western world. While there was a wide divergence of adherents all referring to themselves as progressive, there were a number of unifying ideals that cemented them all to this ideal. As such, a journalistic ideal known as Muckraking created a media platform for promoting the ideas and ideals behind Progressivism. According to Faragher et al. (2009, p. 559), there were three attitudes and two sources of inspiration that bound Progressive thought to a central ideal. The first was a general negative sentiment over excess in terms of industrial capitalism and urban growth created by those in political and financial power. At the same time, there was also a basic optimism regarding the ability of ordinary citizens to effect the changes perceived as necessary for a better society in general. The second attitude was the view of society and economics from a viewpoint of cohesion rather than individualism. The ills suffered on both platforms, according to Progressivism, was the result of broken cohesion within society and between society and the economic basis that should sustain it. Finally, the third attitude was the need for citizens to do all they can to intervene for better circumstances and a better life forShow MoreRelatedProgessives and The Pure Food and Drug Act Essay862 Words   |  4 Pagesthe Progressive Era. During this time period, the American Political system changed its view on how America should be brought about. It provided a purification of the American government through direct democracy. This era included many social and political reforms, which were brought about due to monopolies, and trust corporations. One the key pieces of legislation that was a prime example of the progressive era, was the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. This law came about due to muckraking, andRead MoreMovements Throughout History Led by Farmers and the Economy Essay730 Words   |  3 Pages The populist movement occurred in the late 19th century, formed from the Grangers movement where its goal was ta movement for people, to change the economic system where it would benefit farmers. The grange movement rapidly declined in the 1870s and was replaced by the farmer alliances. The farmer alliances were more political rather then social. The farmer’s alliance later formed the populist. The populist movement is considered to be an agrarian revolt by farmers and those concerned withRead MoreUpton Sinclair s The Jungle986 Words   |  4 Pagesexample of the journalistic style known as muckraking. Sinclair researched the conditions being fought against during the Progressive Era and painted a picture i n literary form for the ignorant readers. The consumerism that taped into the greed of industrialists is drawn out many times. This greed, in turn, drove down the American Standard of living in almost every aspect. With every corner of hope demolished, a path was laid out for all to follow, the Progressive solution to the world: Socialism. TheRead MoreEssay on The Progressive Movement878 Words   |  4 PagesThe Progressive Movement (ca. 1890s-1910s) Even more energetic a sphere of historical controversy than that over the Populists is the historians argument over the Progressive movement. The Progressives were a heterogeneous collection of reformers. Active chiefly in the nations cities and the urban mass media (and in the legislatures of such states as Wisconsin and New York), the Progressives carried out efforts to reform American society and governance on all fronts. They numbered amongRead MoreEssay on The American Dream in The Jungle by Upton Sinclair, Jr.967 Words   |  4 PagesMuckraking, â€Å"to search for and expose real or alleged corruption, scandal, or the like, especially in politics† (dictionary.com). Upton Sinclair gained fame in the early 1900’s from his muckraking novel, The Jungle, describing the life of a young Lithuanian immigrant, Jurgis, living in Chicago in pursuit of the American dream. Jurgis found out that America isn’t as good as it appeared; with higher wages came more expensi ve goods, and with cheaper houses came higher interest rates. The Jungle, a fictionalRead MoreThe Progressive Era And Political Reform1330 Words   |  6 Pages The Progressive era was a period around 1890-1920, in which the rise of social activism became apparent as well as political reform. Americans during this time began to move away from rural and began to colonize cities. 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New experiences and opportunities were also presented to America thatRead MoreThe Progressive Era And Its Impact On American History1279 Words   |  6 PagesThe Progressive Era was a period of broad and varied movement which changed American values and life styles by having everlasting impact on American History. Most of the people during the progressive eras, lives changed through. During the Progressive Era Women wanted the right to vote and work outside their homes. Workers wanted better wages, hours, and safe condition while they are working. Coming with peop le who had race, which means all people wo were not white, they wanted a freedom, place toRead More Various Interpretations of the Progressive Era Essay2820 Words   |  12 Pagesâ€Å"What was the Progressive Movement?†[1] Historian Peter G. Filene presents this question in his article, â€Å"An Obituary for ‘The Progressive Movement’†, in order to introduce the reality that for decades scholars struggled to propose an answer to this question. They have and still do struggle because there are many ways to consider this question and qualify the Progressive Era: such as its definition, time frame, significant turning points and important people, goals, successes, and failures. GivenRead MoreEssay about The Progressive Era: Conflicting Viewpoints1651 Words   |  7 PagesThe Progressive Era: Conflicting Viewpoints Works Cited Missing Two people witnessing the same event can have very different views on it depending on their information and perspective. The presentation of history also changes depending on the resources and prior prejudices and personal views of the historian. Four historian’s interpretations on the Progressive Era and Progressivism were reviewed to determine whether their arguments and use of evidence were sound. Also, the particular known