The Progressive Era brought significant changes to American society, with Theodore Roosevelt challenging predatory wealth and advocating for social justice. Educational reforms flourished, emphasizing practical skills and civic engagement, while medical and legal professions underwent standardization. The era also saw debates over eugenics and the rise of social sciences, leaving a lasting legacy despite its eventual wane.
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Roosevelt defined "predatory wealth" as fortunes built on unethical practices such as worker exploitation, monopolistic strategies, and financial deceit
Manipulation of the legal system
Roosevelt denounced the actions of affluent individuals who manipulated the legal system to avoid regulation, stressing the corrosive effect their behavior had on society's ethical standards
Corrosive effect on society
Roosevelt believed that the actions of affluent individuals had a dangerous precedent for young Americans' perceptions of success in business
In his 1908 message to Congress, Roosevelt condemned the actions of affluent individuals and their impact on society's ethical standards
The Progressive Era was characterized by a widespread campaign against alcohol, culminating in Prohibition
The 18th Amendment, ratified in 1919, prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors, enforced by the Volstead Act
Rural Protestants' support
Prohibition was largely supported by rural Protestants
Urban Catholics' opposition
Prohibition was opposed by urban Catholics
Rise of organized crime
Prohibition inadvertently gave rise to organized crime syndicates that profited from bootlegging
Decline in alcohol consumption
The period saw a decline in alcohol consumption, but also witnessed unintended consequences such as increased criminal activity
Prohibition was repealed with the 21st Amendment in 1933
John Dewey promoted the idea that education should extend beyond traditional academics to include practical skills and civic engagement
The Progressive Era experienced a surge in public school enrollment
The Progressive Era saw the creation of more high schools
Introduction of home economics courses
Women's education evolved with the introduction of home economics courses designed to professionalize domestic skills
Child labor laws were strengthened to ensure that children attended school, reflecting the era's commitment to compulsory education
The landmark Flexner Report called for the standardization and improvement of medical education, leading to the closure of many substandard medical schools
The Flexner Report led to the enhancement of training at university-affiliated medical institutions
The American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools established accreditation processes for law schools, marking a shift towards formalized university education in the legal field
The Flexner Report and accreditation processes for law schools contributed to the professionalization of the medical and legal professions
The Progressive Era saw the establishment of social sciences as distinct academic disciplines, with a new emphasis on empirical research and analysis
The Progressive Era saw the development of fields such as history, economics, and political science
Universities fostered the application of scientific methods to the study of society during the Progressive Era
The Commission on Training Camp Activities was formed to promote Progressive values among soldiers, instilling standards of conduct and assimilating them into American cultural norms
Eugenics is the controversial movement advocating for the selective breeding of humans to enhance genetic qualities
Proponents of eugenics argued that it could lead to the betterment of society by encouraging the birth of healthier and more intelligent individuals
Catholic Church's opposition
The Catholic Church opposed eugenics due to its ethical implications and potential violation of individual rights
United States' entry into World War I
The United States' entry into World War I redirected national concerns towards security and patriotism, contributing to the decline of the Progressive Movement
Red Scare
The Red Scare also redirected national concerns and contributed to the decline of the Progressive Movement
Historians debate the precise end of the Progressive Era, with some suggesting it extended into the 1920s, while others believe it concluded with the war's end or the shift towards more conservative politics in the following decade
Despite the decline of Progressive political initiatives, the era's reforms had a profound and enduring impact on American society and its institutions
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Theodore Roosevelt's Presidential Term
26th President of the U.S. from 1901 to 1909.
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Roosevelt's Stance on Social Justice
Advocated for fairness, denounced worker exploitation and monopolies.
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Roosevelt's 1908 Message to Congress
Criticized wealthy for legal manipulation, warned of impact on societal ethics.
