History 371

Devine

STUDY QUESTIONS – PROGRESSIVE ERA

 

 

  1. Who were the Progressives?  Why did they think it was important for government and/or the private sector to launch a reform movement at the turn of the twentieth century?

 

  1. How did Social Darwinists and Progressive reformers differ in explaining the causes for social problems like poverty?

 

  1. Why have some historians called the Progressive Era a “response to industrialism”? Why do others say the progressives were pursuing a policy of “innovative nostalgia” in their reform agenda?

 

  1. In formulating their approach to reform, how did Progressives combine their beliefs in the social gospel and the new methods of social science?

 

  1. Progressives were concerned about how one’s environment shaped behavior.  How did their proposals to improve the lives of the urban poor reflect these concerns?

 

  1. How did the initiative, referendum, and recall give more political power to the voter?  What unintended consequences could result when each of these policies were implemented?

 

  1. Traditionally, Americans had believed that they could do anything they wished with their property without interference from others or from the government.  During the progressive era, why did many people begin to reconsider their position and welcome some government regulation?

 

  1. Some progressive reformers were more concerned with “social justice” while others gave priority to “social control.”  What is the difference between these two ideas?