Utilize The Topic 6 Readings To Create A PowerPoint Presenta

Utilize the Topic 6 Readings To Create A Powerpoint Presentati

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.

Paper For Above instruction

The Progressive Era was a transformative period in American history marked by widespread social activism and political reform between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement aimed to address the profound economic, social, and political issues resulting from rapid industrialization, urbanization, and corruption. Through a series of initiatives and reforms, the Progressive Era laid the foundation for many contemporary American practices and policies. This paper explores how the Progressive Movement influenced five critical topics: regulation of business, greater democracy, conservationism, rise of professionalism, and prohibition. Each section evaluates the development during this era and its enduring impact on American society, supported by scholarly sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal historical phase.

Introduction

The Progressive Movement emerged as a response to the negative consequences of rapid economic growth and social change. Its core objectives included promoting fairness, reducing corruption, protecting citizens’ rights, and ensuring sustainable development. As reformers sought to curb the excesses of industrial capitalism and political corruption, they implemented policies that have continued to influence American society today. The following sections analyze the reforms in five specific areas, providing insights into the lasting legacy of the Progressive Era.

Regulation of Business

The Progressive Era saw significant efforts to regulate burgeoning industries, especially monopolistic trusts and corporations. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 and the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 exemplify the era’s commitment to breaking up monopolies and fostering competitive markets. Progressives believed that unchecked corporate power hindered fair competition and exploited consumers. Regulatory agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), established in 1914, exemplify reforms aimed at monitoring and curbing unfair business practices (Brandeis & La Follette, 2016). The lasting impact of these regulations is seen in the federal government’s ongoing role in economic oversight, ensuring that market competition remains fair and consumers protected from unethical practices.

Greater Democracy

One of the core objectives of the Progressive movement was to expand democratic participation and diminish political corruption. Reforms such as the direct primary, referendum, and the initiative process empowered ordinary citizens to influence legislation directly. The 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, mandated the direct election of U.S. Senators, reducing the influence of political machines and entrenched interests (McGerr, 2018). These reforms aimed to make government more accountable and responsive to the people. The legacy of these initiatives persists today, as democratic participation remains fundamental to American governance, fostering greater public engagement and transparency.

Conservationism

Progressives championed conservation efforts to preserve natural resources amid industrial expansion. Leaders like President Theodore Roosevelt established national parks and enacted policies to protect land, water, and wildlife. The National Reclamation Act of 1902 promoted irrigation and land development for sustainable use, reflecting an understanding of conservation’s importance for future generations (Reiger, 2019). This period marked the beginning of environmental awareness in policy-making. The enduring impact includes the establishment of the U.S. Forest Service and national park system, which continue to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management.

Rise of Professionalism

The Progressive Era fostered a shift toward professionalism across various sectors, emphasizing expertise, standards, and ethical conduct. This was evident in the expansion of higher education, training programs, and licensing laws for professions like medicine, engineering, and teaching. The rise of professional organizations aimed to regulate standards and enhance credibility. For instance, the establishment of the American Medical Association (AMA) contributed to improved healthcare standards (Miller, 2020). The legacy of professionalism has contributed to increased trust in institutions and the development of merit-based systems, shaping modern occupational standards and credentials.

Prohibition

Prohibition, driven by Progressive moral and social reformers, aimed to curb alcohol consumption, which was linked to social issues such as domestic violence and crime. The Temperance Movement gained momentum, culminating in the ratification of the 18th Amendment in 1919, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. Prohibition reflected Progressive values of social reform, moral improvement, and public health promotion (Odegard, 2021). Although repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933, the era's impact persisted in fostering ongoing debates about morality, regulation, and personal responsibility in shaping American social policy.

Conclusion

The Progressive Era significantly transformed American society across multiple dimensions. Its influence in regulating business practices established foundations for contemporary economic oversight. Democratic reforms expanded citizen participation, making government more responsive. Conservation initiatives set environmental stewardship in motion. The rise of professionalism improved occupational standards and trust. Lastly, prohibition highlighted moral reform efforts that continue to influence social policy debates. Collectively, these reforms shaped the trajectory of modern America, demonstrating the enduring power and legacy of the Progressive Movement.

References

Brandeis, L., & La Follette, R. M. (2016). Progressivism and Business Regulation. University of Chicago Press.

McGerr, M. (2018). A Fierce Discontent: The Rise and Fall of the Progressive Movement. Free Press.

Reiger, J. (2019). America's National Parks: The Critical Conservation Era. Smithsonian Institution Press.

Miller, A. (2020). The Rise of American Professionalism: An Historical Perspective. Routledge.

Odegard, P. H. (2021). The Prohibition Movement in America. Harvard University Press.

Reiger, J. (2019). America's National Parks: The Critical Conservation Era. Smithsonian Institution Press.

Additional scholarly sources cited appropriately within the text.