Reform in America's Progressive Era

By: Ryan Webb

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

In the final decades of the 19th century, America experienced rapid industrial growth, corporate mergers, an influx of immigrants, and a rise in urban population and development. These modern changes resulted in crowded tenements, low wages, long working hours, child labor, and bad factory conditions. In response, the American people called for an end to corruption in government and supported legislation aimed at reducing these new evils of society. Consequently, during this “Progressive Era” the United States experienced one of the highest rates of reform in its history. Government became more democratic and laws were created that improved lives and eased economic constraints. Early on, the Republicans dominated the progressive movement. Over time, however, a split between the semi-conservative Robert Taft and ultra progressive Theodore Roosevelt allowed Democrat Woodrow Wilson to win the presidential election. During his administration, Wilson brought his own version of reform to the country.