Introduction
The Progressive Era in American history has brought massive changes both to the country itself and the world at large. The US was able to exert its influence on its neighboring nations, as well as the Western hemisphere as a whole. However, it is important to reflect on the major events and tendencies that transpired during that time to gain a better understanding of this important period.
American Expansion
The first important factor during this time period was the expansion and modernization of the US Navy. As the navy was severely damaged after the US Civil War, the government issued its expansion and modernization. The recent technological advancements were crucial in developing an up-to-date fleet that was instrumental in the American-Spanish war and in controlling newly annexed regions (“US Navy,” n.d.). As the US production capacity increased due to the Industrial Revolution, it was crucial for it to expand to foreign markets. An example of that is the country’s investment in China and its involvement in the Boxer rebellion to maintain that market (“19. American Empire”, n.d.). Hence, the US Navy, due to modernization made possible by technological advancements, helped in maintaining trade routes and exerting control overseas.
American Imperialism
The period was also characterized by American imperialism brought on by President Theodore Roosevelt. As it was stated in his Corollary, the US has taken the role of a “policeman” of the Western hemisphere. This resulted in it opposing any outside influence and intervening in the region’s countries’ affairs to maintain its authority. This resulted in a legacy of resentment of the US from South Americans (Ricard, 2006). While the societal changes of the Progressive Era improved the well-being of US citizens, they did not cover the black population of the country, showing the US’s xenophobic views both in its internal and external politics (“The Progressive Era,” n.d.). Hence, the Progressive advancements were in line with US colonialism brought by President Roosevelt, as they upheld American exceptionalism.
Conclusion
Hence, the Progressive Era was a complicated time for the United States. Its damaged fleet was renovated due to technological advancements, allowing it to expand to foreign markets due to the rising needs of a newly industrialized economy. However, the new policies excluded racial minorities, consistent with the US actions in its sphere of influence in the New World. Thus, the Progressive Era, while controversial, has paved the way for the societal and economic advancement of the US.
References
19. American Empire. (n.d.). The American YAWP. Web.
The Progressive Era. (n.d.). Britannica. Web.
Ricard, S. (2006). The Roosevelt Corollary. Presidential Studies Quarterly, 36(1), 17–26. Web.
US Navy. (n.d.). StudySmarter. Web.