Summary Of Robert Crunden's Ministers Of Reform
Crunden, Robert M. Ministers of Reform:The Progressives' Achievement in American Civilization, 1889-1920. Basic Books, 1984.
When a historian is asked to recall what they know of Progressivism does Robert
Crunden's Ministers of Reform come to mind? Is it a useful tool for examining and
interpreting this period in American history?
In Ministers of Reform, Crunden displays his interest through a strong
evaluation and exploration into the lives of twenty-one prominent progressives. He credits his affiliation, the American Civilization Program at the University of Texas as
well as his surrounding environment, that gave him the extra incentive for writing
Ministers of Reform. As I began to read the text, …show more content…
Muckrakers or
progressive journalists were responsible for exposing the criticisms of American life.
Another clear example of the climate of creativity that Crunden emphasizes was the
notion of innovative nostalgia.' Although neither were social reformers, Charles Ives
and Frank Lloyd Wright fit into the puzzle of progressivism by displaying the notion of
"arts for arts sake." Each of these key features of progressivism, amongst many others
Crunden discusses, are seemingly alike. Each want to make American life more suitable,
more sound. They were not radicals that thought every aspect of society was corrupt but
instead were liberals that wanted modification and improvement. They also tie into the
three main goals of progressives, to regulate business, to reform government corruption
and to improving social reform, especially working and living conditions.
The vast amount of sources that Crunden utilizes includes both primary and
secondary. The writings and peer to peer notes between progressives, such as of Ives
and Wright, helps to interpret the moral attitudes of such progressives. The wide
When a historian is asked to recall what they know of Progressivism does Robert
Crunden's Ministers of Reform come to mind? Is it a useful tool for examining and
interpreting this period in American history?
In Ministers of Reform, Crunden displays his interest through a strong
evaluation and exploration into the lives of twenty-one prominent progressives. He credits his affiliation, the American Civilization Program at the University of Texas as
well as his surrounding environment, that gave him the extra incentive for writing
Ministers of Reform. As I began to read the text, …show more content…
Muckrakers or
progressive journalists were responsible for exposing the criticisms of American life.
Another clear example of the climate of creativity that Crunden emphasizes was the
notion of innovative nostalgia.' Although neither were social reformers, Charles Ives
and Frank Lloyd Wright fit into the puzzle of progressivism by displaying the notion of
"arts for arts sake." Each of these key features of progressivism, amongst many others
Crunden discusses, are seemingly alike. Each want to make American life more suitable,
more sound. They were not radicals that thought every aspect of society was corrupt but
instead were liberals that wanted modification and improvement. They also tie into the
three main goals of progressives, to regulate business, to reform government corruption
and to improving social reform, especially working and living conditions.
The vast amount of sources that Crunden utilizes includes both primary and
secondary. The writings and peer to peer notes between progressives, such as of Ives
and Wright, helps to interpret the moral attitudes of such progressives. The wide