The Impact of the Progressive Movement on the California Government

If one takes a close look at the manner in which the political world developed, one will be able to see that there have been many instances when the prevailing trends were substituted by their complete opposites. That is why it may be particularly interesting to carefully examine a particular movement in order to determine how it reacted to the past event and what it tried to accomplish in the future. This paper will examine the impact of the Progressive movement on the California government, explore the roots of it, key figures and cities as well as whether all reforms went as planned.

To begin with, it is crucial to explore the roots of the Progressive movement. Thus, one would make no mistake suggesting that the latter largely was a reaction to the period of time that preceded it – the Gilded Age. Indeed, a considerable number of people were afraid that large corporations (“trusts”) as well as their heads (“bosses”) would seize the power and do anything to maintain it (McGerr 132). That is why the Progressive movement hailed efficiency and tried to limit the power of the wealthy capitalists and large corporations to make sure that they will not call the shots when it comes to governing.

It may be rather difficult to determine which leaders did more of the movement in questions as there were numerous prominent individuals who were active in different fields. However, there is no doubt that the Presidents of the had a significant impact on the movement. Thus, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Woodrow Wilson should be seen as iconic representatives of the Progressive movement. As for the cities,  one might mention that progressive ideas were implemented all over the country as more and more mayors who advocated them appeared in Los Angeles, Toledo, Memphis, Lousiville, and other cities.

There is a number of ways in which the Progressive movement influenced the California politics. For example, in 1911, Hiram Johnson who was the governor at the time founded the Oregon System of “Initiative, Referendum, and Recall”: it was designed to enable the citizens to have more impact on the state politics. Moreover, several minor parties that reflected the ideals of the movement were established, for example, Lincoln–Roosevelt League Republicans. It was obvious that a considerable number of people in this state supported the progressive ideas and were willing to implement them.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to point out that not all reforms went as planned. A good example is the so-called “purification of voters”. The original idea was that it was necessary to introduce changes into who can vote since this procedure had a significant impact on the political development of the country and it could have been abused by the powerful corporation. Nevertheless, the implementation was far from the original idea: many African-American voters were disenfranchised which resulted in a serious disproportion in voting. Furthermore, the Progressive Era is also associated with other Jim Crow laws that, in theory, were designed to make public life efficient, but, in reality, had a negative impact on the quality of life of minorities.

Having examined all the evidence, it becomes obvious that the Progressive movement should be regarded as an important period in the development of the political world of the United States in general and the State of California in particular. It originated as a response to the growing influence of large corporations. Many prominent presidents such as Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson were supporters of progressiveness. However, some reformed did not go as intended and resulted in the consequences that the representatives of the Progressive movement wanted to avoid.

Works cited

McGerr, Michael E. A fierce discontent: the rise and fall of the Progressive movement in America, 1870-1920. Oxford: Oxford U Press, 2005. Print.

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
close
Haven't found the right essay?
Get an expert to write you the one you need!
print

Professional writers and researchers

quotes

Sources and citation are provided

clock

3 hour delivery

person