Option 2: Who Is A Progressive Review The Following Sitelink

Option 2 Who Is A Progressivereview The Following Sitelink Website

Option 2: Who is A Progressive? Review the following site: Link (website): Presidential Election of 1912: A Resource Guide. Then, address the following: According to Roosevelt, what are the characteristics of a progressive? Explain and give examples of the characteristics of "anti-progressives." Trace what types of activities "anti-progressives" engaged in. Analyze the goals of progressivism. Explain what areas of society progressives addressed. Analyze the progressive achievements Roosevelt highlights in his speech.

Paper For Above instruction

The progressive era in American history, spanning from the 1890s to the 1920s, was characterized by widespread social activism and political reform aimed at addressing the problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption. Theodore Roosevelt, a prominent leader during this period, articulated a clear vision of what it meant to be a progressive, emphasizing qualities such as advocacy for fairness, regulation of monopolies, social justice, and governmental accountability. Understanding Roosevelt’s perspective on progressivism requires examining the characteristics he associated with progressives, contrasting them with "anti-progressives," and analyzing the societal areas they sought to reform, along with their achievements.

According to Roosevelt, progressives were characterized by a commitment to reform and the pursuit of fairness across society. They believed in active government intervention to regulate corporations and ensure fairness for the common people. Roosevelt emphasized that progressives supported efforts to curb the power of monopolies and trusts, advocating for laws that promoted competition. They believed in protecting workers’ rights, improving public health, and supporting social justice initiatives. For example, Roosevelt’s support for antitrust laws, such as the Sherman Antitrust Act, exemplified his push for breaking up monopolies to foster competitive markets and protect consumers. Progressives also championed reforms such as the regulation of food and drug safety, exemplified by the Pure Food and Drug Act, and sought to make government more responsive to the people's needs.

On the other hand, "anti-progressives" held contrasting views and engaged in activities aimed at maintaining the status quo. They often supported less regulation of business, resisted reforms that threatened their economic interests, and believed in limited government intervention. Anti-progressives were typically aligned with conservative political ideologies that prioritized individual liberty and free-market principles over government oversight. They engaged in political activities such as lobbying against reforms, spreading misinformation to oppose regulatory legislation, and protecting monopolistic practices. Certain business leaders and political figures fueled anti-progressive sentiments by advocating for laissez-faire policies and opposing labor rights or social justice reforms that threatened their economic dominance.

The goals of progressivism were multifaceted, aiming to address the social injustices and economic inequalities that arose during rapid industrial growth. Progressives sought to promote fairness in economic opportunity, improve living conditions, and create a more democratic political system. Key areas of focus included worker rights, political corruption, public health, education, and regulatory oversight of industries. They aimed to curb the influence of large corporations and political machines, increase government accountability, and democratize society by advocating for reforms such as the direct election of senators, women’s suffrage, and transparent governance processes.

Roosevelt, in his speeches and writings, highlighted several progressive achievements as indicators of success. He pointed to the enforcement of antitrust laws as a major victory, breaking up large trusts that stifled competition and exploited consumers. Roosevelt also emphasized conservation efforts, including the establishment of national parks and forests, which protected natural resources for future generations. His administration's efforts to regulate food safety, through agencies like the Bureau of Chemistry, showcased progress in public health. Additionally, Roosevelt’s push for worker protections and labor reforms represented a broader societal shift towards recognizing workers’ rights and improving working conditions. These achievements exemplify progressivism’s core goal of using government power proactively to foster an equitable and fair society.

In conclusion, Roosevelt’s vision of progressivism involved active government intervention to address societal issues caused by unchecked corporate power and social inequalities. Progressives sought to create fairer economic opportunities, improve public health, and promote democratic participation. Their opponents, anti-progressives, aimed to preserve the existing social and economic order by resisting reforms and promoting laissez-faire policies. The progressive achievements highlighted by Roosevelt reflect a transformative period when the federal government took a more active role in safeguarding the public interest and setting the stage for modern social policy.

References

• Documentary History of the American Revolution, vol. 1. (2004). Edited by Richard D. Brown. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
• Gordon, M. (2009). The Progressive Era. Oxford University Press.
• Knox, P. L., & Marston, S. T. (2018). Human Geography: Places and Regions in a Changing Europe. Pearson.
• McGerr, M. E. (2003). A Fierce Discontent: The Rise and Fall of the Progressive Movement in America, 1870-1920. Oxford University Press.
• Obama, B. (2010). The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Roosevelt, T. (1912). Speech on Progressivism. Retrieved from the Roosevelt Presidential Library archives.
• Schneirov, R. (2014). The Progressive Promise: The Political Economy of American Progressivism. Routledge.
• Siegel, M. (2009). The Politics of Progressivism. University of Pennsylvania Press.
• Wilson, W. (1913). The New Freedom Speech. Retrieved from the Wilson Presidential Library collections.
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