PROGRESSIVISM
Sociology Index, Sociology Books 2011
Progressivism is a political philosophy characterizing American society from approximately 1890 to 1920.
Progressivism is set against decades of expansion and growth where progressives became acutely aware of the price paid for this development in terms of inequality and social problems.
To address these they called for policy committed to social justice and social democracy. They found new sympathy for the poor, for minorities, and for women and children.
To address the needs of these peoples progressivism saw a need for a strong central government and increasing regulation of many segments of the business world.
These attitudes about the role of the state are sometimes referred to as ‘progressive liberalism’ (in contrast to classical liberalism).
Historians often describe the Progressive movement as the urban counterpart to Populism. Although the two movements shared some characteristics, they also had some important differences.
Progressivism found support among small businessmen, professionals, and middle-class urban reformers, in contrast to the disgruntled farmers who fueled the Populist movement. In the end, however, both Progressives and Populists left a lasting stamp on the nation's history.
What are the origins of Progressivism and its impact on American government and society?
What social, economic, and political factors fostered the Progressive movement? Compare the goals and accomplishments of the Progressives and the Populists. Which movement was more successful?
Why might some historians argue that Progressivism was the "Dawn of Liberalism?"
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American Progressivism: A Reader
Ronald J. Pestritto (Editor), William J. Atto (Editor) The progressives, from
Wilson and Roosevelt to Addams and Rauschenbush, emerge clearly in this superb set of
primary source essays. We can see in these essays the goals of the progressives to
circumvent the Constitution and to try to centralize political power in the hands of the
few. I do not know of a better collection of essays on the progressives. (Burton W.
Folsom, Jr. ) The Progressive era is second in importance only to the Founding itself for
a clear understanding of American political ideas and institutions. Many of the deepest
debates in contemporary American political life, ranging from the authority of the
Constitution, to the role of parties and interest groups, to the proper stance of the
United States in world politics, are traceable back to their roots in the Progressive era.
Yet we have devoted remarkably little attention to the careful analysis of Progressivism,
partly because we have not looked carefully at the documents that defined
“Progressivism” and served to promote it. But now, thanks to Pestritto and
Atto’s thoughtful and carefully assembled anthology, this defect has been remedied.
Every serious student of American politics and history will be in their debt for this
excellent collection. (McClay, Wilfred M. ) Provides a fresh and incisive analysis of
seminal texts of the Progressive movement that have been uncritically accepted as timeless
truths by elusive and ever-changing liberal relativists. Pestritto and Atto illuminate the
intellectual vacuity of the Progessive project to substitute history for philosophy as the
standard of political right in America. (Belz, Herman ) Product Description: American
Progressivism is a one-volume edition of some of the most important essays, speeches, and
book excerpts from the leading figures of national Progressivism. It is designed for
classroom use, includes an accessible interpretive essay, and introduces each selection
with a brief historical and conceptual background. The introductory essay is written with
the student in mind, and addresses the important characteristics of Progressive thought
and the role of Progressives in the development of the American political tradition.
Students of American political thought, American politics, American history, the
presidency, Congress, and political parties will find this reader to be an invaluable
source for insight into Progressivism.