Progressivism White House

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Progressivism from the Grass Roots to the White House (1890-1916)
Political movements in history coincide with momentous revolutions. Here in the United States, the industrial boom brought about the growth of large railroads, development of corporations, rapid expansion in urban areas and new socio-economic defined groups. In 1886 progressivism began in the United States in response to the rapid modernization and the accompanying social ills. Progressivism was defined as the “political movement that addresses ideas, impulses and issues stemming from modernization of American society. Emerging at the end of the nineteenth century, it established much of the tone of American politics throughout the first half of the century”
Families were bettered because of the social work being done. She and a fellow seminary student, Lillian Wald started the Hull House in the Chicago ghetto. This mansion became the center of life for thousands of immigrants, launching the settlement house movement in the United States. The houses confronted the social problems by reforming individuals and society. Efficiency and expertise became the watchwords of the progressive vocabulary. Children’s services were provided, namely nurseries, kindergarten and afterschool programs, mothers were taught simple skills and working women later formed trade unions for laborers. Training programs were developed to ensure that welfare and charity work would be undertaken by trained professionals. Child labor laws were enacted giving children the opportunity t to go to school, organized labor unions were formed supporting goals of eight-hour work days, improved safety and health conditions, workers’ compensation laws and minimum wages for women. The movement picked up momentum and was joined by church leaders seeking social purity by pushing
Some of the notable politicians who subscribed to the progressivism philosophy were: Mayor Thomas Lofton Johnson from Cleveland, Ohio who fought for fair taxation. Hiram Johnson, California Governor (1911-1917) and U.S. Senator (1917-1945), promised to return the government to the people free of corruption and corporate influence. The focus became to give honest public service. From 1901 to 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt steered away from the persistent passivity of his predecessors and promised the American people a Square Deal, emphasizing that the average citizen would get a fair share under his policies. He demonstrated his willingness to challenge large corporations (trusts) by using the power of the government to control businesses. He championed the railroad reform giving power to the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), the establishment of the Pure Food and Drug Act (banning impure or falsely labeled food and drugs from being made, sole and shipped) and the Meat Inspection Act (banning misleading labels and preservatives that contained harmful chemicals). One of his most lasting legacies was his significant role in the creation of 150 National Forests, five national parks, and 18 national monuments, among other works of conservation. In total, Roosevelt was instrumental in the