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The Progressive Era

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The Progressive Era, beginning in 1890 and ending in 1920, is a term used to describe society’s reactions to the rapid change occurring from industrialization in the United States. After the Civil War, the American standard of living grew and new industrial life came about. This meant that landowning and farming life lessened and more people began to work in factories. Work became more impersonal and Americans had no way to get out of the wage system. This unfamiliar system that developed became known as capitalism. Socially, capitalism focuses on the rights of individuals and rather than shadowing a specific structure within a society, people are expected to look out for themselves: self-interest. People are required to work for money; therefore, there is a large distinction between the rich and the poor. Economically, capitalism can be defined as “laissez faire” or free trade and focuses on the big companies owned by individuals and includes private sectors operating in a market. Politically, capitalism means no government intervention and denotes everyman for himself. A democracy is defined as a public sector and is a form of government in which people make choices. The idea of democracy associates with the principle of equality within a society and is an objective America attempts to maintain. During this progressive era of difficulty, America’s “democracy,” was not exercising its egalitarian ideals to its fullest capabilities, which was a direct result of the unfamiliar capitalist economic system. The Progressive Party attempted to diminish the powerful capitalistic system by supporting democracy; they favored change, preferred government intervention, and opposed the free market system.

The Gilded Age marked the time of difficulty preceding the Progressive Era where America experienced rapid economic growth, intensified class distinction, railroad

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