Question

Write TWO paragraphs (6-8 sentences for EACH paragraph) describing the changes and challenges of the Progressive Era in the early 20th century. Discuss the social, political, and cultural changes of the era, and evaluate the effectiveness of the muckrakers in eliciting change, reform, and legislation.

Answer 1

The Progressive Era arose presenting an inclination towards purificating government and following modernization. Political focus shifted towards emphasizing education and forward-thinking policies in general. Two very important Amendments came out of this: The eighteenth, which outlawed the commercialization of alcohol; and the nineteenth, which gave women the right to vote. Progressives thought of the Constitution in more loose terms, reinforcing that the government should impact society more directly with social and economic reforms. Regulating business was important, but their ideology was torn between allowing monopolies to exist within government restriction or break them up completely.

In regards to social change, muckrakers played a big role by pushing forward a kind of journalism that denounced government corruption and brought attention to the living conditions of the poor and racial inequality among other topics to the point of nation-wide scandals. Progressive christians also played a big role shifting their ethics towards a focus on solving social issues more directly, known as Social Gospel work.

Hope this helps!