Progressive Era Vs Gilded Age

The Progressive Era is a significantly better time for Americans than the Gilded Age. The Progressive Era is the reconstruction of the country after its destruction by the robber barons and their monopolies and capitalistic empires. The country had been so destroyed after the depressions of the 19th century, and there seemed to be a lack of confidence in the large majority of the population. Walt Whitman wrote about how he viewed America and said, “Never was there perhaps, more hollowness at heart than at present, and here in the United States, Genuine belief seems to have left us” Americans are lost after the gilded age and looking for leaders who are strong, masculine, progressive and not afraid to face the world and fix America’s problems. The question at the start of the Progressive Era is; who can restore the pride of the nation and the confidence of the people? …show more content…
In the book Dos Passos highlights two men who arise from the Progressive Era and who are key to the reforming of the Nation and preparing it for as well as controlling the world Stage. These two men are, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. These men help to define what American masculinity is in the new era and how the United States will dominate the rest of the world. They pass numerous amendments, create a better economy, and ratify the way politics are forever carried out in nation. Ultimately they are the men responsible for turning the country around and doing it by building up and the reputation of the American male and his