Module/Week 3 — A Look Back: The Progressive Era: A Bridge to Modern Times

The Progressive Era is a term used to refer to a period in America’s history that spanned 1897 and 1920 during which  there was remarkable growth in the economy. The growth was intertwined with economic cycles, accusations of systemic corruption and government of special interest. This period in question was characterized by many developments such as rapid economic growth that was accompanied by growth in labor union.  The twin development of economic growth and demand for labor resulted in Unions and the development of minimum wage, workplace insurance and government regulations. It was during this period that the country moved from an agrarianeconomy to industrial economy made possible by the expansions in railroads, oil, mining, mineral explorations and more importantly steel.

​The economic growth experienced was accompanied by tense labor relationship with corporations and government of the day. At the root of these tense relationships  was growth in labor unions and perceived government inability to rein big corporations. The period witnessed improved in standard of living and decline in mortality rate. These positive developments were tempered by increasing activist governments that manifested in the form of  government regulations, centralized monetary system, and the advent of income tax (Higgs, 1989,61). Although this period is referred to as The progressive Era, there were many aspects that were not so progressive from conservative point of view because of the growth in the size of the government and regulatory compliance actions especially during Roosevelt’s administration.

The Progressive Era has become a template for dealing with national crisis or emergencies such as in 1916–1918,  1940–1945 and more recently 2007 to 2008 recession and inCOVID-2019 induced national emergency (Higgs, 1989, 61).These emergencies led to the creation of many governmental institutions during the depression that followed the 1907 financial panic. The rapid economic growth necessitated anincrease in demand for labor and this led to increase in union membership in strategic industries such as railroads and coal mining, and in the skilled occupations of the construction industry; albeit at uneven pace……