The Progressive Reform Movement

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, middle class Americans saw the need for changes. Reform was needed in society, politics, and economics. The problems of overcrowding in cities, corruption in government, as well as unsafe and indifferent working conditions all needed to be addressed. A wide variety of people advocated for major reforms that would make the United States more democratic, but Progressive Reformers differed on their goals, as well as their methods. This lack of an ability to speak with one voice hindered the progress with which reform took place. There were also major reform movements that met with failure, and as well, many areas that were ignored. However, when the Progressive Reform movement came to an end in
Take child labor, for example. Today, child labor is illegal within the United States. The 1938 Fair Labor Standards Act set minimum wages, as well as standards for the work hours of children. This guideline was set after the end of the Progressive Era in the 1920’s, but was made possible because of the valiant efforts of the Progressive Reformers. Document 4 depicts an image dated to 1909, photographed by Lewis Hine; an American photographer and sociologist alike. His camera was his own tool in social reform. In Document 4’s image are two boys, who are removing bobbins at a large sewing machine, one that is larger in scale than the boys themselves. The boys look to be around 8-10 years of age, 11 at the very most. This image depicts child labor being used in industry and factory work just the same, a powerful issue in the United States, one that Reformers wanted to prohibit. The struggle of eliminating child labor continued, even after the Progressive Era ended, despite reformer’s forceful efforts that were channeled through each individual and group of the Progressive Party. Document 6 depicts the Progressive Party’s principles, with one of their substantial goals being correction in the workplace, child labor included. Child labor is more than just its surface, however. This issue branches back farther and farther, and eventually
Despite these many years of valiant effort, however, many aspects of Reform had not been completed to their fullest. The Progressive Reformers, individuals and groups alike, had only begun a fight for change, one that continues even to this day. The Progressive Era had begun when ordinary people believed that government should step up, and take a more active role in solving the United States’ problems. So Progressives stepped up themselves. And although many things were left incomplete, ignored, or left behind, the Progressive Era held many outstanding accomplishments throughout 30 years. Most importantly, though, was how the Progressive Era sparked the motivation in citizens to fight for their beliefs. That has lasted even to this