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Progressive Vision Of 1912

Decent Essays

AHG 505 #10 The progressive vision did not die with their failure to secure the White House in 1912. Their ideology has become part of the vernacular of society, education and politics; influencing all modern presidencies, especially those of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Barack H. Obama. The desire of progressives was to have an informed, civilized, democratized population, not hindered by corrupt local governments, legislative or judicial branches influenced by special interests or outdated philosophies. The self-serving interests of individuals, individualism, needs to be replaced with needs of the whole, collectivism. Government power needed to be allowed to evolve, based on scientific principles, findings of experts and …show more content…

It tried to elevate society, which is a progressive ideal. Its whole purpose was to transform the nation and help us (collectively) realize our opportunities to greater fulfillment to communal life. The plan focused on poverty, state of cities, improving education, stopping discrimination, cleaning the environment and protecting consumers. During the Vietnam War, issues such as boredom, fear of unproductive lives, and people not feeling like they belong to their community, were …show more content…

“But while the world has changed around us, unfortunately it seems like our government has stood still. Our faith has been shaken, but the people running Washington haven't been willing to make us believe again” (CP 143) Sounds like progressive President Carter’s Crisis of Confidence speech in 1979. The speech contains examples of Dewey’s philosophy that government is an experiment; keep what works and change what doesn’t. Also includes reminders of social responsibility and collectivization. “They know the government can't solve all their problems, but they expect the government can help ...-a basic moral precept that says that I have to look out for you and I have responsibility for you and you have responsibility for me, that I am your keeper and you are mine. That's what America is.” (CP

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