Early 20th Century American Progressives

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Though American progressives of the early 20th century were dedicated to issues regarding networked technologies, those efforts were actually based on an interest in cities and urban development. As increasing amounts of the population moved from the countryside into urban areas, cities represented economic, social, and cultural opportunities. They also exposed stark realities that would need to be addressed in order for people to live and work there without hazardous threats. As the progressives learned more about what large cities and enterprising towns could possibly accomplish, they began to develop programs and an ideology that focused on what could be provided by the state.
American progressives were drawn to the potential advancements of urbanization, especially in contrast to rural life with which many Americans had already grown accustomed to. Cities represented more modern forms of economic activity that concentrated all of the natural resources and human capital in a single place for accessibility. As a result, many towns viewed their growth as positive and sought the help of state legislatures to connect their businesses and marketplaces with others using funding for infrastructure and transportation. This, they were able
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Those who studied in Europe also encouraged Progressive-age intellectuals to look to services and policies offered by social democracy, and they endeavored to introduce these concepts starting at the local levels of the communities they resided

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