A history of the United States since 1865 - Admission/Application Essay Example

A History of the United s since 1865 The progressive era was characterized by periods of social activism that prompted significant political reforms (Piott 178). The first decade of the progressive era (1900-1910) was brief, but some major problems were experienced. The main problem was that of immigrants. America was rapidly shifting to an urban society from an agrarian society. The shift brought about ‘disturbing’ changes among the middle-class society. Large corporations represented greed and materialism, while part bosses took advantage of the desperation and political ignorance of the immigrants.

Newcomers from southeastern Europe flocked the industrial centers to seek employment and settlement. Other problems suffered during the first decade of the progressive era were urbanization and industrialization. However, the ills of society experienced by the native middle-class sprung out of control. The elite acknowledged a social hierarchy whereby the “blue-blooded” native population remained at the top and the “darker-skinned” poor population at the bottom. According to Piott, Americans attempted to solve the social and political problems in a move dubbed the “progressive movement” (179).

Among the progressives who made significant impact included Theodore Roosevelt and “muckraking” journalists. Other progressives were the middle-class elites who advocated a social duty among all Americans to the poor. In addition, Theodore Roosevelt stated that every man had a duty to implement the reforms, despite his or her position in the society. Lincoln Steffens in “The Shame of Cities” revealed how the party machines of New York and Chicago propelled political corruption. In addition, Upton Sinclair in “The Jungle” revealed the exploitation that immigrant families experienced, specifically in the meat packing industry.

The progressives focused on establishing and restoring democracy by “Americanizing” immigrants, limiting big corporations, and restraining party machines. Theodore Roosevelt succeeded as the first president to assign social duty to the people and support labor, in 1902, after the Anthracite Coal Strike. “Americanizing” centers also referred to as “settlement houses” influenced welfare benefits, labor laws that favored both women and children, and factory inspection legislation. However, settlement houses meant to protect the poor and immigrants from the political bosses propelled the popularity of such bosses.

According to the immigrants, the efforts of the reformers were in conflict with those of the political bosses. The degree of woman suffrage was insignificant to them as compared to issues of subsistence. Though being corrupt, the political bosses provided essential survival services that were hampered by the reformers.Work CitedPiott, Steven L. Daily Life in the Progressive Era. CA: ABC-CLIO, 2011.