3.1.12 Response: Progressivism
Completion requirements
3.1.12 Response: Progressivism
The term progressivism is most famous for a movement towards modern liberalism in the early 20th Century. It culminated in American President Theodore Roosevelt founding a new, albeit brief, political party called the National Progressive Party in 1912. He was frustrated with the reluctance of politicians to enact change that would protect the vulnerable in society.
Remember, that broadly defined, liberalism is the belief in the dignity and freedom of the individual as the foundation for society. Liberalism has faith in human progress, and believes that respect for all individuals is paramount. Progressivism signifies the belief in positive reform for greater equality. How to best achieve that common good has changed over time, as classical liberals believed this was achieved by freedom from government, and modern liberals believe that government can create the opportunities for true political and economic freedom.
Remember, that broadly defined, liberalism is the belief in the dignity and freedom of the individual as the foundation for society. Liberalism has faith in human progress, and believes that respect for all individuals is paramount. Progressivism signifies the belief in positive reform for greater equality. How to best achieve that common good has changed over time, as classical liberals believed this was achieved by freedom from government, and modern liberals believe that government can create the opportunities for true political and economic freedom.
Portrait of President Theodore Roosevelt Jr. by Pach Bros. 1904, Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain.
Read page 143, as well as pages 196-200 in your textbook Perspectives on Ideology.
Take notes from the readings and video to answer the following questions:
- In what ways did economies of the first half of the 20th Century reflect the principles of liberalism?
- How did progressivism signal a shift towards modern liberal values? Provide examples.
"The Progressive Era: Crash Course US History #27 by Crashcourse, You-tube
Curbing the Excesses of Economic Freedom
"The Infant Hercules (President Theodore Roosevelt)and the Standard Oil Serpents" May 23rd, 1906 from Puck Magazine. Depicts U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt grabbing the head of Nelson W. Aldrich and the snake-like body of John D. Rockefeller. Cartoon by Frank Arthur Nankivell. Public Domain
Besides regulating working conditions, 1890s-1913 saw the need for government intervention to prevent the excesses of economic freedom. In other words, the promotion of economic self-interest, as well as the freedom to acquire private property in the 19th Century led to monopolies. An unintended consequence of a laissez-faire economy was the growing wealth and power of a few businessmen who monopolized all aspects of one industry. As a result, these monopolies were able to eliminate any competition, and a single company or entrepreneur could not enter the market to effectively compete against these conglomerates.
To ensure their control of the market, these large companies colluded with some of their competitors to eliminate any other competition. This led the U.S. government to pass the Sherman Anti-Trust Act in 1890. This meant that a conglomerate could not own two or more competing companies in one industry (like oil or steel manufacturing). This law was later strengthened in 1914 with the Clayton Act.
To ensure their control of the market, these large companies colluded with some of their competitors to eliminate any other competition. This led the U.S. government to pass the Sherman Anti-Trust Act in 1890. This meant that a conglomerate could not own two or more competing companies in one industry (like oil or steel manufacturing). This law was later strengthened in 1914 with the Clayton Act.
Read more about Taft and the Anti-Sherman Trust Act on page 200 in your Perspectives on Ideology.
Learn more by going to the Khan Academy's The Progressive Era.
Learn more by going to the Khan Academy's The Progressive Era.