The Progressive Movement (Classic Reprint): A Non-Partisan, Comprehensive Discussion of Current Tendencies in American Politics: A Non-Partisan, ... in American Politics (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Benjamin Parke De Witt

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1330686683 ISBN 13: 9781330686683

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

Synopsis

Explore the roots and reforms of a pivotal social force.

This non-fiction study examines how the progressive movement emerged from political, social, and economic pressures and how it shaped reforms across the nation, states, and cities. It explains the movement’s three distinct phases and why reformers pushed for new tools to broaden public influence over government. In clear, accessible terms, the book traces the origins of progressive ideas from the formation of early constitutions to modern demands for greater citizen control. It covers key reforms such as direct primaries, the initiative, referendum, and recall, and it explains why municipal and state leaders pursued plans like mothers’ pensions, minimum wage laws, and the city manager system. The voice remains thoughtful and non-partisan, aiming to clarify complex debates without oversimplification.

• How progressives define their movement and the issues that unify reformers across parties.
• The measures proposed to give people more power in nominating candidates and in post-election policy decisions.
• Prominent reforms and their adoption in different regions, with attention to the arguments for and against each.
• Context for understanding why reform ideas gained momentum in the nation, the states, and cities.

Ideal for readers of American political history, public policy, and social reform movements who want a grounded overview of why and how progressives sought to reshape governance.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1330686683
• ISBN 13: 9781330686683
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 401