The Progressive Era in the United States
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.
See moreTheodore Roosevelt's Stance Against "Predatory Wealth"
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, is remembered for his vigorous moralistic rhetoric and his commitment to social justice. He frequently denounced the accumulation of "predatory wealth," which he defined as fortunes built on unethical practices such as worker exploitation, monopolistic strategies, and financial deceit. In his 1908 message to Congress, Roosevelt condemned 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 and the dangerous precedent it set for young Americans' perceptions of success in business.Prohibition and Its Effects During the Progressive Era
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. The movement was largely supported by rural Protestants and opposed by urban Catholics, with organizations like the Anti-Saloon League leading the charge. Although Prohibition aimed to address social problems linked to alcohol, it inadvertently gave rise to organized crime syndicates that profited from bootlegging. The period saw a decline in alcohol consumption but also witnessed the unintended consequences of increased criminal activity, leading to the repeal of Prohibition with the 21st Amendment in 1933.Educational Reforms and Expansion in the Progressive Era
The Progressive Era was a time of significant educational reform in the United States. Advocates like John Dewey promoted the idea that education should extend beyond traditional academics to include practical skills and civic engagement. The era experienced a surge in public school enrollment and the creation of more high schools. Women's education also evolved, with the introduction of home economics courses designed to professionalize domestic skills. Additionally, child labor laws were strengthened to ensure that children attended school, reflecting the era's commitment to compulsory education.Medical and Legal Advancements in the Progressive Era
The Progressive Era was a period of transformation for the medical and legal professions. The landmark Flexner Report of 1910 called for the standardization and improvement of medical education, leading to the closure of many substandard medical schools and the enhancement of training at university-affiliated institutions. In the legal field, the American Bar Association and the Association of American Law Schools established accreditation processes for law schools, marking a shift from apprenticeship-based training to formalized university education, thereby professionalizing the practice of law.The Emergence of Social Sciences and Military Reforms
The Progressive Era saw the establishment of social sciences as distinct academic disciplines, with universities fostering the application of scientific methods to the study of society. Fields such as history, economics, and political science were developed with a new emphasis on empirical research and analysis. In the military, 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.The Debate Over Eugenics in Progressive Thought
Eugenics, the controversial movement advocating for the selective breeding of humans to enhance genetic qualities, gained traction among some Progressives. Proponents argued that eugenics could lead to the betterment of society by encouraging the birth of healthier and more intelligent individuals. However, the movement was met with significant opposition, including from the Catholic Church, due to its ethical implications and the potential violation of individual rights.The Waning of the Progressive Movement and Its Legacy
The Progressive Movement's influence began to diminish with the United States' entry into World War I and the subsequent Red Scare, which redirected national concerns towards security and patriotism. 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.Want to create maps from your material?
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1
Theodore Roosevelt's Presidential Term
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2
Roosevelt's Stance on Social Justice
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3
Roosevelt's 1908 Message to Congress
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4
During the ______ Era, a major campaign against alcohol led to the establishment of Prohibition.
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5
The ______ Amendment, effective in 1919, banned the production, sale, and transport of alcoholic beverages.
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6
Prohibition enforcement was carried out through the ______ Act.
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7
The push for Prohibition was mainly supported by rural ______ and faced opposition from urban ______.
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8
The ______ League was a key player in advocating for the anti-alcohol movement.
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9
Prohibition, while reducing alcohol consumption, inadvertently boosted ______ crime.
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10
Role of John Dewey in Progressive Era education
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11
Changes in women's education during Progressive Era
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Introduction of home economics courses to professionalize domestic skills.
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Impact of child labor laws on education in Progressive Era
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Strengthened laws ensured children attended school, emphasizing compulsory education.
13
The ______ Era was a time of significant change for the medical and legal professions.
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Progressive
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The ______ Report of 1910 was pivotal in reforming medical education.
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Flexner
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In law, the ______ and the Association of American Law Schools introduced accreditation for law schools.
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American Bar Association
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The shift from apprenticeship to formalized ______ education marked the professionalization of law practice.
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17
Establishment of social sciences in Progressive Era
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Impact of empirical research in Progressive Era
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19
Commission on Training Camp Activities purpose
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20
The goal of ______ was to foster the birth of individuals who were healthier and more ______.
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21
Despite its aims, ______ faced considerable resistance, notably from the ______ Church, due to ethical concerns and the risk of infringing on personal freedoms.
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22
Factors diminishing Progressive Movement's influence
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23
Historians' debate on Progressive Era's end
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Long-term effects of Progressive Era reforms
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