The growth of progressivism as a reaction to the problems caused by the rapid industrialization and urbanization of the United States in the late nineteenth century.
The nature of the progressive impulse, particularly the optimistic vision shared by all progressives that an active government and human intervention could solve problems and create an efficient, ordered society.
The desire of progressives to reduce the influence of party machines on politics and foster instead rule by "experts."
The crusade-like nature of many progressive movements, including prohibition, immigration-restriction, and women's suffrage movements.
A thorough study of Chapter Twenty-One should enable the student to understand:
The origins and complexities of the progressive impulse.
The progressive emphasis on scientific expertise, organizational reform, and professionalism.
The role of women and women's organizations in promoting reform, and vice versa.
The success and significance of the women's suffrage movement.
The desire of the progressives to limit the role of political party organizations, and the measures they advocated to accomplish this goal.
The prohibition movement and its relationship to other progressive reforms.
The origins of the NAACP and the importance of W. E. B. DuBois.
The movement to restrict immigration and its relationship with other avenues of "reform."
The alternate approaches to the problems of the trusts: socialism, regulation, or trust busting.
The historical debate concerning the origin and nature of progressivism.
