Progressivism In The 1900's

The early part of the 1900’s, was a time for major changes in America. A full history of social movements shaped progressive thought throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Historian Sidney Milkis characterizes the accomplishments of the original Progressive Era as “momentous reconstructions of politics,” a description that equally applies to the numerous social movements that aimed to better position America’s political and social order with its ideals of liberty, equality, and opportunity for all. Progressivism as a reform tradition has always focused its moral energy against societal injustice, corruption, and inequality. Progressivism was built on a vibrant grassroots foundation, from the Social Gospel and labor movements to women’s suffrage and civil rights to environmentalism, and …show more content…
Early in 1917, Winslow, Paul, and other women began to picket the White House. Within a few months, police started to arrest the silent protesters. Winslow and Paul were some of the people who got arrested. Besides working for the vote, women struggled to gain access to jobs and education. Most states refused to grant women licenses to practice law or medicine. Few women managed to get the higher education needed to enter the professions. During the late 1800’s middle- class women joined women’s clubs and became reformers. They raised money for libraries, schools and parks and pressed for laws to protect children and women, to ensure pure food and drugs. Some women entered the new profession of social work. Other women campaigned to end social evils, such as child labor. Florence Kelley, a social and political reformer and the pioneer of the term Wage abolitionism, investigated conditions in sweatshops. The temperance movement to end the sale of alcoholic beverages began in the early 1800’s and many wanted the government to enact prohibition. By 1900, the movement was gaining