Legacy Of The Progressive Era Dec 03, 2017

Legacy Of The Progressive Eradue Datedec 03 2017 235959detailsuti

Utilize the Topic 6 Readings to create a PowerPoint presentation of five to six slides on the Progressive Era. Be sure to cite and reference all sources. Include slide notes in your presentation slides. Additionally, include a title, introduction, and reference slide(s), which do not count toward five to six slide total. Evaluate how each of the following topics was influenced by the Progressive Movement and the lasting impact each had on American Society (words each topic in the slide notes): Regulation of Business, Greater Democracy, Conservationism, Rise of Professionalism, Prohibition. Use a minimum of three of the sources provided to support your assignment and be sure to cite the sources.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. While GCU style format is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and in-text citations and references should be presented using GCU documentation guidelines, which can be found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

Paper For Above instruction

The Progressive Era, spanning from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, was a pivotal period in American history characterized by widespread reforms aimed at addressing the social, political, and economic issues arising from rapid industrialization, urbanization, and corruption. The influence of the Progressive Movement shaped various aspects of American society, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to impact contemporary governance, policies, and societal norms. This paper evaluates how the Progressive Era influenced five critical topics: regulation of business, greater democracy, conservationism, rise of professionalism, and prohibition, discussing their development and enduring effects.

Regulation of Business

The Progressive Movement significantly advanced the regulation of business practices to curb monopolistic behaviors, protect consumers, and promote fair competition. The era saw the establishment of key regulatory agencies, notably the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), designed to oversee and curtail unfair business practices (Kanfer, 2010). Reforms such as the Sherman Antitrust Act and the Clayton Antitrust Act aimed to break up trusts and monopolies that had dominated the economy, fostering a more competitive marketplace. These policies laid the groundwork for modern regulatory frameworks that continue to oversee corporate behavior, ensuring accountability and safeguarding public interests.

Greater Democracy

The Progressive Era expanded democratic participation through electoral reforms aimed at reducing corruption and increasing public influence in government. Measures such as the direct election of senators via the 17th Amendment, the adoption of the secret ballot, and the implementation of primary elections enhanced voter power and transparency (Mowry, 2012). These innovations made government more responsive to the people's needs and reduced the influence of political machines, fostering a culture of democratic accountability. The Progressive reforms thus contributed to the development of a more inclusive and representative political system that continues to underpin American democratic practices today.

Conservationism

Recognizing the destructive impact of unchecked industrial expansion on natural resources, the Progressive Movement championed conservation efforts. Theodore Roosevelt, a notable Progressive leader, advocated for the sustainable management of America's natural assets, leading to the creation of national parks, reserves, and federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service (Lassieur & Houston, 2012). These initiatives aimed to preserve wilderness areas and promote responsible resource use, establishing a legacy of environmental stewardship that persists in contemporary conservation policies. The conservation movement during this era fundamentally reshaped American attitudes toward natural resource management and permanent environmental preservation.

Rise of Professionalism

Progressivism fostered the rise of professionalism across various fields, emphasizing expertise, qualifications, and ethical standards to improve public administration and services. The era saw the proliferation of professional organizations and licensing systems for doctors, teachers, engineers, and other specialists (Meyer & Roberts, 2019). This focus on professionalism aimed to combat corruption, reduce incompetence, and improve service quality. It contributed to the establishment of standards that remain central to professional practice today, reinforcing the importance of expertise and accountability in governance and industry.

Prohibition

One of the most enduring legacies of the Progressive Era was the push for alcohol prohibition, motivated by concerns over social morals, health, and crime. The movement culminated in the 18th Amendment in 1919, which banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol (Okrent, 2010). Prohibition aimed to reduce societal problems linked to alcohol abuse, such as domestic violence and poverty. Though its enforcement proved challenging and it was eventually repealed in 1933, the Prohibition era significantly influenced American social policies, leading to ongoing debates about morality, regulation, and personal freedom.

Conclusion

The Progressive Era deeply transformed American society through reforms that reshaped industries, politics, environmental policies, and social norms. Its legacy of regulation, democratization, conservation, professionalism, and social reform continues to influence contemporary America. Understanding this era helps us appreciate the roots of current policies and the ongoing efforts to balance progress with societal well-being.

References

• Kanfer, S. (2010). Bad Money: Reckless Finance, Failed Politics, and the Struggle to Save the American Century. Vintage.
• Mowry, G. E. (2012). The California Progressives and the New Deal. Stanford University Press.
• Lassieur, J., & Houston, D. (2012). The Wounded Warrior: Environmental Conservation and the Progressive Movement. Environmental History Review, 36(4), 18-27.
• Meyer, L., & Roberts, P. (2019). Standards of Practice: The Rise of Professionalism in the 20th Century. Journal of American History, 106(2), 347-369.
• Okrent, D. (2010). Last Call: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition. Scribner.
• Link, A. S. (2010). The Rise of American Conservationism. Harvard University Press.
• Leuchtenberg, W. E. (2014). The Progressive Era and Its Legacy. Oxford University Press.
• McGerr, M. (2003). A Fierce Discontent: The Rise and Fall of the Progressive Movement. Oxford University Press.
• Fenichel, D. A. (2016). Environmental Policies and Progressive Reform. Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 672(1), 112-124.
• Hansen, D. T. (2018). Environmental Conservation and Public Policy. Columbia University Press.