Chapter 28: Progressivism and the Republican Roosevelt 1901-1912

Question 1

1. Why did the progressives believe that strong government action was the only way to tackle the social and economic problems of industrialization? How did this approach differ from traditional American emphasis on voluntary solutions to social problems?

Answer 1

Progressives believed that the government could no longer operate on a Laissez-faire policy. They saw social and economic problems as too complex to be left alone. Fewer numbers of industrialists gained more power. Progressives believed that the government could be used as a tool with which to spread good and solve problems, creating human welfare. Traditionally, American culture was rather individualistic and kept government out of business affairs to some extent

Question 2

2. Why were women so critical to the successes of the progressive movement? Were there any weaknesses in their ideas and approaches to social reform?

Answer 2

Women were especially critical to the successes of the progressive movement because they had a personal experience with these problems and used that passion to benefit others. They turned old ideologies on their heads in order to enact more reforms. For example, many believed that women were meant to manage the affairs of the home. Progressive women therefore chose to exercise this authority over public affairs such as education and sanitation. Women often faced challenges in their campaigning posed by racial issues. They often had difficulty uniting across both class and race, weakening the campaign because of prejudice.

Question 3

3. Why was Roosevelt such a popular progressive leader? In what ways did he sound like a more ardent 
reformer than he really was?

Answer 3

Roosevelt was viewed by many as a leader of the Progressive movement because of his eloquent speeches for reform. He called for economic, moral, political, and social reform, supporting prohibition. He also promoted the Square Deal for labor. Roosevelt certainly sounded like a progressive reformer, but much of his reforms were for the sake of keeping up an image for the public. Roosevelt was more talk than action.

Question 4

4. Did the progressive movement make any long lasting contributions to American society?

Answer 4

The Progressive Movement made lasting contributions to American Society. It brought about better conditions for women, greater sanitation, and many reforms. Even though not all progressive goals were achieved, the mass movement did make an impact by drawing the public’s attention to the many issues that plagued America. If nothing else, the progressive movement inspired many to fight for better lives.