The Progressive Era in the United States characterized the early 20th century; also referred to as the ôAge of Reformö, the effects of this period would reverberate throughout American life for generations to come. Put simply, Progressivism sought to change the relationship between the American government and its people. This change would help to complete a transformation in America, which was turning from a largely agrarian society to a largely urbanized one (PBS.org 1). AmericaÆs participation in World War I would hasten this transformation, and in some respects complete it. A tragedy of global proportions, the Great War was nonetheless useful for the United States, as it would apply the Progressive mandate and help to solidify a new role for government in this country.
In the early 1900s, America was experiencing some growing pains as a rapidly industrializing nation. An influx of immigrants, coupled with the birth of the truly urban metropolis, created a fabric of materialism and greed that blanketed burgeoning American industrial centers. Large corporations and trusts were gaining control over the nationÆs finances, and were using this control to manipulate wages, prices, working conditions, and ultimately, politics in America. It was in many respects the birth of the Party Bosses and the political party machines they operated that would make Progressivism prudentùeven necessaryùfor mainstream America (PBS.org 1).
Intended to act as a countervailing force against the corruption and exploitation that had been wrought by industrialization, Progressivism advocated a more active role by the government. If the democratic ideals of social justice, adequate representation, and equality of opportunity were to survive in the new, industrialized America, the government would have to assume more responsibility for the poor, the downtrodden, and the vulnerable. For many, this responsibility seemed to rest in the hand...