Progressive Reform

The rapid industrialization of the United States created a myriad of social, political, and economic crises that affected virtually every aspect of American life. Progressivism was
America’s response to the nation’s rapid economic and social changes that were plaguing
American’s on every level. The efforts of progressive reformers resulted in a more efficient nation as a whole and many progressive laws are still in practice today which emphasizes the success of the movement.
Americans were faced with social and economic hardships from the rapid industrialization after the Civil War. American cities were overcrowded with poor laborers and living conditions were unsanitary. In the workplace, individual employment had taken a
backseat
Progressive reformers effectively changed the social and political landscape of America by making government part of the solution.
Liberals of the Jeffersonian era saw government as a threat to liberty. Progressives, however, “believed that broadening the role of government would advance the welfare of its citizens by protecting them from business abuse” (Sage 6). Government was no longer thought of as the problem, but was instead a major part of the progressive’s solution. In the beginning political powers were unwilling or unable to address the problems facing the nation at the turn of the century, so the progressive movement grew outside government.

In order to resolve the issues that were plaguing American life, progressives realized that reform had to be instituted at all levels of society. Because America’s population had become too diverse and complex, it was essential to avoid any reform movement that focused solely on a single aspect of the social and political structure (Sage). The goals of progressive reformers were intended to benefit the taxpayer, which included Democrats and
However, many would agree the democratic approach that is in use today is a more efficient method of operation.
Efficiency and conservation was also an issue that progressive reformers tackled.
Progressive leader Robert LaFollette was an innovator in that he insisted on using all the government’s resources as a means of eliminating waste and conserving funds. The “Wisconsin
Idea,” coined by LaFollette, was a project in which he employed Wisconsin State Professors to conduct research and present their findings on ways to improve the well-being of Wisconsin residents. This efficient technique eliminated the cost of employing outside researchers, as the professors were already on the state’s payroll. Other states began following LaFollette’s lead and the government still uses this same approach, taking advantage of all the state’s resources today. Progressives operated on city, county, state, and federal levels. They succeeded in labor reform, passing child labor laws and worker reform laws that made the work place a more

pleasant environment and experience for all members of the workforce. Companies that