Progressive Reform At Home

Some progressive groups suggested that there was much need for moral reform in America. It was argued that in many urban areas, corruption invaded political establishments. Progressives pushed for social purity and sought to rid these urban communities from corruptions such as alcoholism. According to Barnes & Bowles (2014), “In addition to middle-class women and Protestant clergy, the movement attracted nativists and racists, who argued that immigrants and African Americans were more likely to drink and engage in prostitution or other immoral behavior”(ch.5.2).

Despite the efforts of Progressives who formed antidrinking organization in the late 19th century in order to tackle the issue of alcoholism, there was a significant increase in American alcohol consumption. The dramatic increase in alcohol consumption was thought to be attributed to the corruption of ethical principles within the urban society as well as the increase in immigrants migrating from eastern and southern Europe whose societies often accepted the consumption of alcohol as part of their culture …show more content…
Progressives aimed their attention at promoting the welfare of others and not pursuing private self-interest. The progressive approach to reform at home basically discouraged the individualistic pursuit of private interests, promoting instead cooperative moral actions that contribute to the good of the whole. The ideal was that our society would become truly democratic. Yet, Imperialism overseas was quite the opposite of the ideas and beliefs progressives had at home. The Imperialism agenda overseas was solely to gain territories and push for self-interest of America. It stripped away foreigners right to democracy and choice and forced them to conform to the American ways of