Reform in the 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. Indeed, during the Progressive Era the United States experienced one of its highest rates of reform. Government became more democratic and laws were created that improved lives and eased economic constraints. Early on, the Republicans dominated the progressive movement. Then a split between the semi-conservative Robert Taft and ultra progressive Theodore Roosevelt allowed Democrat Woodrow Wilson to win the election. Wilson brought his own version of reform to the presidency.