Progressivism

The Progressive Era is often argued to be the Era where America became "better". Some historians dispute that the time of reform, governmental changes, and the rise of socialism, was only to benefit the rich. Some political leaders policies were to let the rich get richer, and eventually it would trickle down to the rich. Robert Wiebie argued that it was the efforts of the "new middle class" that was making the American society change. When on the other hand "status anxiety", was taking place to manipulate the American people into thinking all the reforms and changes were making America better. The progressive era was still some what taking place during the 1970s and 1980, or at the the ideals were still going through the minds of progressives. Overall, the "progressive era" was the decline of political parties and the rise of interest groups, the working class, and social movements.

In my opinion the Progressive Era is progressive depending on what historian a person talks to. Many people have different opinions surrounding the era. A women's rights worker would have a different opinion than a segregation reformer. Everyone era had their own opinions surrounding the topic of being "progressive".

The Populists

The Populists were initially developed to help farmers in political matters, but as time went on the Populists gathered more and more ideals and built a foundation for its members beliefs. However disputes among members did occur, having disagreeing with the way most political leaders ran government the Populists had their own way of dealing with issues. One example of their political and ethical stand point comes from the people belonging to the Populists party wanting to develop some sort of agreement of "equality" with the newly freed African Americans, but still remain the white dominance. This is a prime example of the contradictory stand point of most of the members. In my opinion the Populists group was trying to survive in America. The American farm was dwindling and the farmers needed a voice in the public. Overall their intentions were to avoid economic depression. In my opinion most of their actions were justified considering their points, however so points were made in the party that I do not agree with, but in the end everyone disagrees and agrees.