Background Information
From 1890, a new journey aimed at revolutionizing the American social, economic, and political structures began. According to the pioneers of progressivism, American society had been characterized by numerous social and economic problems.1 The rate of industrialization experienced in the country before the era led to numerous challenges such as corruption, inappropriate leadership, child labor, racism, discrimination, and poor representation. According to progressives such as Ida Tarbell, Jane Addams, and Jacob Riis, the right time had come for America to redefine its future.
Relationship with World War I
To achieve the intended goals, many progressives began by exposing the major evils and challenges that were affecting the United States towards the end of the 19th century. American society was facing numerous evils such as increased cases of immigration, corporate greed, discrimination, and racism.2 The most appropriate strategy at the time was to redefine and embrace the power of democracy. During the time, Theodore Roosevelt believed strongly that it was the right time for the people to address the problems affecting the nation.
The Progressive Era cannot be studied without mentioning the First World War (initially known as the Great War). The emergence of World War I was a clear indication that social rots and evils were affecting every country across the globe. Before the war, the world had recorded numerous challenges, unrest, and enmities. Throughout the 19th century, the world had come into terms with the unique problems associated with nationalism, militarism, and imperialism.3 Such concepts catalyzed numerous struggles, especially in Western Europe.
Theodore Roosevelt argued that the right time for America to develop strong and ethical corporations had come. By so doing, the country would find it easier to embrace the idea of democracy. Quality education was supported to deal with racism, poverty, and class warfare.4 With these developments, the stage had already been set for the First World War.
The First World War was therefore the culmination of the Progressive Era.5 This was the case because the war was a response to the forces of nationalism and militarism that defined the 19th century. Many analysts have stated clearly that the Great War was mainly aimed at making the world better.6 Many leaders during the era believed strongly that World War I marked the end of progressivism and created a better society for more people.
Importance of the Era
The implemented agenda encouraged many people in the country to register as voters.7 By so doing, the people would influence the major issues affecting the country. Many people were willing to fight political corruption and inequality. According to many historians, Progressivism was a long journey that could not end any time soon. This was the case because most of the challenges affecting Americans such as racism and inequality were deeply ingrained in society. Historians argue that World War I indicated clearly that the goals of the Progressive Era could not be easily achieved.
World War I created the best environment for a deadlier global conflict between 1938 and 1945. Although the era ended after the Great War, the agreeable fact is that the goals intended by different progressives would be pursued throughout the 20th century.8 Consequently, new policies focusing on racism, corruption, and discrimination would be implemented in the United States.
Bibliography
Gerwarth, Robert, and Erez Manela. “The Great War as a Global War: Imperial Conflict and the Reconfiguration of World Order, 1911-1923.” Diplomatic History 38, no. 1 (2014): 786-800.
Johnston, Robert. “Long Live Teddy/Death to Woodrow: The Polarized Politics of the Progressive Era in the 2012 Election.” The Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era 13, no. 3 (2014): 411-443.
Keene, Jennifer. “Americans Respond: Perspectives on the Global War, 1914-1917.” Geschichte und Gesellschaft 40, no. 1 (2014): 266-286.
Platt, Daniel. “Illiberal Reformers: Race, Eugenics, and American Economics in the Progressive Era, by Thomas C. Leonard.” Journal of Cultural Economy 10, no. 2 (2017): 225-229.
Footnotes
11. Robert Gerwarth and Erez Manela, “The Great War as a Global War: Imperial Conflict and the Reconfiguration of World Order, 1911-1923,” Diplomatic History 38, no. 1 (2014): 788.
2
2. Daniel Platt, “Illiberal Reformers: Race, Eugenics, and American Economics in the Progressive Era, by Thomas C. Leonard,” Journal of Cultural Economy 10, no. 2 (2017): 227.
33. Platt, “Illiberal Reformers,” 228.
4
4. Ibid., 229.
5
5. Robert Gerwarth and Erez Manela, “The Great War as a Global War: Imperial Conflict and the Reconfiguration of World Order, 1911-1923,” Diplomatic History 38, no. 1 (2014): 789.
6
6. Ibid., 229.
77. Daniel Platt, “Illiberal Reformers: Race, Eugenics, and American Economics in the Progressive Era, by Thomas C. Leonard,” Journal of Cultural Economy 10, no. 2 (2017): 227.
8
8. Robert Johnston, “Long Live Teddy/Death to Woodrow: The Polarized Politics of the Progressive Era in the 2012 Election,” The Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era 13, no. 3 (2014): 423.