The Definition of the Progressive Period

The Progressive Era was a period in American history where many modern reforms took place. Although the movement had begun in the 1890s, the catalyst for dramatic activism was the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire in Manhattan in 1911. The building had no sprinkler system, many fire escapes were broken, and the doors were locked to keep union organizers from entering the building. Most of the 146 workers who died in the fire were young women. This event sparked outrage across the country and led to sweeping labor reforms.

Roots of the Movement

The Depression of 1893 exposed new concerns caused by the Industrial Revolution. In factories, men and women worked 12 hour days for very little money. Conditions were harsh. The Progressives took on new issues like labor reform, public health and political corruption. Activists banded together to educate the public and lobby for new laws.

Poverty

One of the most famous exposes in American history was the book How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis. In 1890, the journalist and photographer entered the tenement slums of the inner city and documented his experiences. He showed the public crowded and filthy living conditions that eventually led to improvements in sanitation and public services.

Role of Women

Although they could not yet vote in national elections, women were instrumental in the Progressive movement. Women's clubs, temperance societies and church organizations brought women out of the home and into the public sphere. Women were particularly concerned with schools, child labor laws, settlement houses and funding for libraries and hospitals.

Expansion of Government

The Progressive movement transformed our government into an agency for public welfare. Teddy Roosevelt brought Progressive politics to the White House (which he named) when he rose to power after William McKinley's assassination in 1901. Roosevelt intervened on behalf of labor in the 1902 anthracite coal strike. He sought to regulate big business by "busting trusts," although he did differentiate between "good" and "bad" trusts.

Problems

While Progressivism brought about many important changes, it was not a perfect movement. Many reform efforts did not include minorities. Americanization plans forced new immigrants to conform to their new society rather than contribute their unique cultural identity to the "melting pot." Despite government reforms, big bosses held onto power in many cities.

Achievements

By the onset of World War I, progressivism began to lose steam as the nation shifted focus to world events, but the movement won many victories. It was during this period that women gained the right to vote and the eight-hour work day was established. Government took on the new role of regulating private enterprise for the public good.