It is sometimes argued that progressivism was a uniquely American phenomenon because it addressed the most profound social and economic problems without engaging in the rhetoric of class conflict or economic warfare. Is this true? How did progressives address the problems of the working classes and poor without adopting the ideologies of socialism or communism. How did progressives borrow some ideas from European models, while adapting them to uniquely American conditions?

Question

Brooklyn Oconnor

History

13 April, 03:01

It is sometimes argued that progressivism was a uniquely American phenomenon because it addressed the most profound social and economic problems without engaging in the rhetoric of class conflict or economic warfare. Is this true? How did progressives address the problems of the working classes and poor without adopting the ideologies of socialism or communism. How did progressives borrow some ideas from European models, while adapting them to uniquely American conditions?

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Answers (1)

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Shannon Owen · Answer 1

This is not true

Explanation:

Although the Progressive Era was known as a period of social activism in the United States (1890s to 1920s), Progressivism (progress) as a means of social reform was (and is) needed all over the world because the human condition needs improvement, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

With social reforms in various sectors the American progressives tried to address the problems of the working classes.

The American progressives might be influenced by the ideas of Immanuel Kant (progress as a movement away from barbarism towards civilization) and John Stuart Mill, a liberal philosopher (people being progressive beings).