Affects of American Progressive Movement

        The progressive movement sought a series of reforms to address specific social, economic, and political problems. The movement attempted to bring the government into a state where it served all people. Though the amount of reform wanted often varied between the individuals of the progressive movement, some disturbing ingredients that led to its creation remained the same in many. These ingredients, that all too readily could turn repressive and destructive, included an assurance of moral …

…around, is essential for democracy.         Though the progressive era was one that attempted to progress American society, the acceptance of moral and intellectual superiority, and exaggerated confidence in the social applications of science, and an uncritical acceptance of the use of state power to coerce individual behavior, which were the seeds of the progressive movement, could readily be interpreted as repressive and destructive. Through these beliefs, the increased strength of the government threatened democracy itself.