Essay On The Progressive Era

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In the years from 1890 to 1917, the time period known as the Progressive Era took place. This era was based on the new ideology of progressivism. Progressivism is a reform development in response to desire to improve the life during the industrial age. In this movement, the United States aimed to use government power to reform the country and its citizens, including making moderate political changes and social improvement. Two of the most prominent figures in this time period that brought out the most change were President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt and President Woodrow Wilson. While both contributed greatly to the reform and improvement during the Progressive Era, they both differed in how they did so. Economically, both presidents passed legislation to keep monopolies and corrupt companies out of power, however President Roosevelt sought to keep the good monopolies whereas President Wilson sought to destroy all monopolies. Politically, both Wilson and Roosevelt passed legislation to help the people and bring equal representation, such as with Roosevelt’s New Nationalism Plan and Wilson’s New Freedom Plan. Socially, both presidents worked hard to improve the working conditions of laborers; however Roosevelt focused on the area of conservation whereas Wilson focused on foreign affairs. In their terms in office, President Roosevelt and President Wilson passed many laws and reforms impacted by their own views that helped the country grow into a stronger nation economically, politically, and socially during the Progressive Era. Politically, President Roosevelt and Wilson passed laws and legislation that would bring the people equal representation. The two presidents however did have their differences. President Roosevelt be... ... middle of paper ... ...ted States” (Doc. E). By doing so, President Roosevelt created the National Parks System, which would protect nature for centuries to come. In the case of the Chicago packing houses, President Roosevelt stated, “What I want is the immediate betterment of the dreadful conditions that prevail, and moreover the providing against a possible recurrence of these conditions” (Doc. C). Both presidents had a large contribution to the social reform during the Progressive Era, some of which would stay alive to the present day. In their terms in office, President Roosevelt and President Wilson passed many laws and reforms impacted by their own views that helped the country grow into a stronger nation economically, politically, and socially during the Progressive Era. While the two differed in their positions on getting rid of trusts and monopolies, they succeeded overall.

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