Paper Example on Progressive California

The progressive epoch was a time in the United States history between 1890 and 1920. Political and social reforms were achieved during this period. These changes aimed to make California a better society. The movement focused on dispensing mysteries caused by immigration, industrialization, corrupt leadership and urbanization. This essay discusses the intentions of the progressives to do good and not ill to the citizens of the United States.

The following progressivism reforms support the goodwill of the progressives;

Education reforms

At the local level, the progressives made changes to modernize learning centers. Schools were equipped with modern facilities, and this made the learning environment conducive. These reforms resulted in high rate of enrollment in institutions. Also, many colleges and high schools were built. This increased the number of schools in the region.

Education changes resulted to an educated class of citizens. They supported the progressive ideas and this promoted education in California. On the other hand, the laws which governed schooling were made compulsory. All children were supposed to attend school up to completion. Finally, the progressives ensured that health and hygiene were incorporated in education.

Democracy reforms

In this system of governance, the laws enshrined in the constitution govern the citizens. These regulations limit the power of the government and also protects the rights of the people. In our case study, the progressive's made amendments to the constitution that allowed for the removal of corrupt leaders.

During this era, people were allowed to exercise their democratic rights by voting in the leaders of their choice. It was during this time women were allowed to vote and participate in political affairs. The citizens had the authority to remove non -performing elected leaders from their positions. This was welcomed by the amendment made in 1908. This reform also minimized the powers of the political leaders who had a selfish interest in government.

Legislations and amendments made during the progressive period were aimed at making the lives of the citizens better. For instance, the eighteenth reform that barred sales of alcohol.

Women empowerment

The progressives supported the women groups and organization. Women were seen as house makers and mothers rather than housekeepers. During this period, a class of female activist arose. Their work was to research issues and needs in the society and solve them in a motherly way. Women used their groups to advocate for their rights.

Gender discrimination was discouraged in this era compared to the past. They could participate in political affairs like men. An example of women group is General Federation of Women's club.

Political reforms

The progressives focused on making changes at all levels of the government. Many constitutional amendments were made. For example, the seventeenth amendment that promoted the direct election of senators. The Nineteenth amendment focused on women suffering, and lastly the eighteenth was on prohibition. In this era, political corruption was exposed. Leaders and citizens who engaged in graft would be charged. Also, mass media became more popular due to political reforms.

Family relations

The family is the foundation of the society. The Progressives worked hard to promote families. Programs were put in place to ensure that families were kept together. The state provided that there was food safety for families. The progressives influenced the municipal governments to create leisure parks for children and families.

In conclusion, the actions of the progressives had a positive impact on the state and its people. The citizens were allowed to elect leaders of their choice. Individuals, especially in the rural areas, were able to acquire education. It became more comfortable for the government to allocate its resources.

Work cited

Blair, T. C. "Sedimentology and progressive tectonic unconformities of the sheet flood-dominated Hell's Gate alluvial fan, Death Valley, California." Sedimentary Geology 132.3 (2000): 233-262.

Gordon, Lynn D. Gender and Higher Education in the Progressive Era. Yale University Press, 92A Yale Station, New Haven, CT 06520-9040, 1990.

Starr, Kevin. Inventing the Dream: California through the progressive era. No. 2. Oxford University Press on Demand, 1986.