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Progressivism Was A Social Movement: John D. Rockefeller

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Progressivism was a social movement before it was a political movement. The words that best exemplify this are by John D. Rockefeller whom stated that, “Failures which a man makes in his life are due almost always to some defect in his personality, some weakness of body, mind, or character, will, or temperament.” This statement will eventually lead to become an ironic statement for the middle-class workers of the 19th century. It seemed to echo in the minds of many as people would watch the rich leave behind frugality, self-discipline, and charity within their separate lives full of care-free, enticing enjoyment. It would seem that the beginning of the Progressive era began with John D. Rockefeller and his “observation” of the causes of human …show more content…

Rockefeller’s statement began the progressive era because it put the many thoughts of progressive leaders into words. The Progressive Era was the era that people started to solve U.S problems through individual and group actions. The problems within the Industrial Capitalist society weren’t new, but the reactions were. Rockefeller symbolized a new way of thinking about the problems that the middle-class and working-class of the late 1800’s - early 1900’s were encountering. The 2 percent of the upper population controlled the nations industry and banks. They made known their wealth and pleasure filled lives by flaunting yachts, mansions, and private collections of art. The Upper Class embraced a world of individualism in which every man was responsible for his family’s poverty or wealth. This seduced many middle-class Americans in uncritically echoing this idea and the words of the oil master, …show more content…

“Drawing support from the urban, college-educated middle class, Progressive reformers sought to eliminate corruption in government, regulate business practices, address health hazards, and improve working conditions.” Each American had their own ways of incorporating the upper class train of thought and applying it to their tactics of forced change among industrial and political governments. Progressives eventually formed their own political party in order to advance their ideas. Women were also active within the Progressive Era. The Progressive Era was the time that women began to push forward for the right to vote, and also advocate for their families. “At the end of the nineteenth century, women were considered the ‘Moral Guardians’ and protectors of the home.” In a literal sense, Progressives wanted to turn America into a Middle-class heaven, where civility, health, education, and economic security flourished. Without the influence of the almighty Rockefeller, and the rest of the 2% upper class, America may not have transitioned into the Progressive Era as

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