As a progressive you are a middle-class American who applies science and
organization to try to make society more efficient. You are the beginning of
the development of the social scientists and social workers. Also, though,
you are a product of your time. You do not necessarily believe in the
equality of the races. You desire the betterment of society and are
paternalistic, but are not always accepting of other cultures. Assimilation
is very important to you. Industrialism and urbanization are unavoidable so
you want to help society adjust to these changes without fundamentally
altering America. You do not want to restructure society; you want to fix it�
in this way you seek conservative change.
Important questions to consider as a progressive:
1. What do you think of urbanization and industrialization?
2. What is an �American�?
3. What are your opinions about the immigrants� cultures?
4. Do your modern methods of science and interest in efficiency influence
your opinions?
5. What are your immediate goals? What is your ultimate goal?
Internet Links
A Biographical Sketch of Jane Addams:
About a progressive who fought for true equality
http://www.uic.edu/jaddams/hull/ja_bio.html
When Bigots Become Reformers:
An article about racism among progressives (including T. Roosevelt)
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1568/is_1_38/ai_n16439695
Eugenics:
Read about sterilization laws. Did you know that California sterilized the
most people in the world in this period?
http://www.eugenicsarchive.org/eugenics/
Progressivism at the National Level:
About focus of progressives
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_1741500823_24/United_States_History.html
Progressivism and Reform:
Important progressive figures and changes but also Prohibition and eugenics
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_1741500823_23/United_States_History.html#s123
Other Resources
1. Class Text
2. Arthur S. Link, Progressivism.