Progressivism

Question 1

What was Progressivism?

Answer 1

A reform movement (1890–1920) targeting political corruption, big business regulation, social justice, and moral reform.

Question 2

How did it differ from Populism?

Answer 2

Broader, urban-based, supported by both parties, longer-lasting impact.

Question 3

Which presidents were Progressive?

Answer 3

Theodore Roosevelt, William Taft, Woodrow Wilson.

Question 4

What were key Progressive aims?

Answer 4

Regulate trusts, govt intervention

protect workers, recognition of trade unions and regulated working hours

women’s suffrage, 1890 NWSA was set up

public morality, state funded welfare benefits due to extreme poverty

environmental protection.

Question 5

What triggered Progressivism’s rise?

Answer 5

Economic depression of 1893 leading to unemployment standing at 12% for the rest of 1890s.

social problems in cities, groups like the YMCA and Salvation Army were active as mnay Americans lived in poverty and no welfare system.

political corruption, monopolies, and
muckraker journalism, the press were to play a major role in exposing the evils in American society, 1902 McClures magazine exposing political and business corruption