Progressivism was a period that occurred in the USA between 1890 and 1920. It was characterized by social-political reforms, in a bid to address problems that arose from the industrialization, immigration urbanization.
The federal government was involved in ensuring fairness, but not segregation. Consumers and workers’ rights were strengthened through federal legislations. Collective responsibilities and duties were also constituted. Muckraking journalists further exposed various corrupt businesses, and also gave rise to interrogative journalism. Civil service reforms act that introduced merits and punishments as rewards.
Alcoholic beverages were also outlawed since they were owned by famous politicians who were corrupt as a means of decreasing their source of wealth and power. Women’s rights were upheld after the women’s suffrage led by Jane Adams. Women gained the right to vote in public and better schools and reduced prohibition by the law. Furthermore, the direct election of senators by the people was introduced.
Despite the progressivism achievements, the law provided equal but separate rights. Whites benefited more than African Americans and Asians. The progressivism era coincided with the Jim Crow era, which radicalized racism. This was corroborated by the Supreme Court ruling on Plessy vs. Fergusson case, which became law.
Labor Unions also introduced xenophobia, and legislations on immigrants were made. This is seen in the immigration act of 1917 and the national quota law of 1921. Eugenics was also upheld in America that promoted selective breeding. Despite undermining human dignity, around 60,000 Americans had already been incorporated before it was outlawed.
In summary, the comparison between the positive and negative impact indicates that the background of the better society we live in today was introduced by the progressors. The negative impacts such as racism that followed were later removed, but cannot overshadow the corruption and subjection removed by the progressors which form the framework of today’s free world.