Reform In The Early 1900's

Throughout the history of civilized society, there have been a multitude of great reform movements bringing the advancement of societal standards and governmental policies to the forefront of attention. These requests, if ignored can lead to mass revolt among the people, as was shown by the French Revolution, the American Revolution, and the Protestant Reformation. All reforms begin with small requests and simple protests, but depending on the actions of those in authority it can either erupt into a conflict or be peacefully and diplomatically resolved furthering all of society.

The United States from the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s was a place ripe with opportunity for reform and advancement. With a largely diverse, young population, booming industry, and new open minded leaders the United States was practically set for reform. Issues such as Women’s Suffrage, immigration, corruption, and monopolies rose to prominence in this period after years of being swept under the carpet.
These businesses used their power to cloak their wrongdoing by paying off governmental leaders and buying out elections in their favor. Therefore, corruption ran rampant as was shown in President Woodrow Wilson’s Inaugural Address when he stated, “Our great Government we loved has too often been made use of for private and selfish purposes, and those who used it had forgotten the people.” (Doc.