Menu

Historical Context of 1870 - 1914 (Gilded Age & Progressive Era)

Book Cover, Milton Rugoff
Source: bcc-cuny.digication.com

Virginia R. Bensen

To understand many of the women’s reform activities and the woman suffrage efforts during this time period in America, this concise historical overview of the societal changes is most helpful. These next few paragraphs will provide some background and insights into the “Gilded Age” and the “Progressive Era.”

Historian Robert H. Wiebe claims that between 1877 and 1900 was “an age” in America of

  • nationalization,
  • industrialization,
  • mechanization, and
  • urbanization.

He also claims that during that time, the United States was a society without a core.(1)Historian Michael McGerr argues that the United States was several nations. It was extremely regional, and it was split by race, ethnicity, and by class from the end of the Civil war until the 1900s. America experienced massive growth in land mass as well as in industrialization. The country changed from being primarily rural agricultural to being urban industrial. (2)With these major shifts numerous social changes occurred. According to historian Louise Knight, “democracy’s nineteenth century meanings were destabilized by many nineteenth-century developments.” She describes these developments asindustrialization,

  • concentration of wealth,
  • rise of labor unions,
  • arrival of millions of immigrants, and
  • the expansion of suffrage to working-class and African American men, but not to women.(3)McGerr extensively explains that the nineteenth century meanings for individualism, the relationship between individual and society, roles of men, women, and family, work and pleasure toward the end of the nineteenth century were different between the wealthy, the workers, the farmers and the middle-class.  He then explains how the different generations of that time viewed how the “stresses of industrialization” split the traditional societal ideologies. (4). Historian Richard Hofstadter claims the two systems of political ethics emerged. One was based upon Yankee-Protestant traditions and the other was based on the values of the immigrant, the boss and the urban machine.(5) Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner labeled the post-civil war years “The Gilded Age.” (6)

The Progressive era was an outgrowth of the many ideological and social conflicts that developed int he Gilded Age. It started approximately in 1890 and ended just before 1920. (7) There has been much debate among scholars whether or not progressivism was a movement, because it did not meet the criteria of a movement. Historian Peter G. Filene states a social movement must have unanimity of purpose on a programmatic or philosophical level as well as goals, a form of organization, and members who combine and act together in a deliberate self-conscious way. In fact, progressives shared no party (with he exception of an attempt in 1912 for Theodore Roosevelt’s candidacy for President of the United States) or organization. Many who claimed to be progressives disagreed on many major issues and many of those issues were contradictory. Historians have summed up lists in ways that progressives were divided. Richard Hofstadter claims the progressives had “two minds.” Historian Daniel T. Rogers agrees with the “two minds,” but further expounds their division as follows:

  • social reformers vs. structural reformers.
  • western Democratic Bryanites vs. eastern elitist Rooseveltians.
  • consumer conscious insurgents vs. job conscious modernizers.
  • new stock, urban liberals vs. patrician reformers. 

Both Filene and Rogers agree that progressivism was not a movement, but “an era of shifting, ideologically fluid issue-focused coalitions, all competing for the reshaping of American society. (8)  Rogers further states that “if progressivism qualified as an “ism” at all, surely it was a system of shared ideas. (9)

The previous paragraph begs the question, “Who were these so-called progressives?” This group or groups were comprised of

  • liberal-minded clergy who wanted to restore their influence and authority in society;
  • academics in the new fields of economics, sociology and political sciences,
  • women reformers,
  • small businessmen, 
  • new middle-class of technicians, salaried professionals, clerical workers, salespeople, and
  • some public-service personnel. (10)

This varied listing supports Filene and Rogers’ claim that the progressives were issue-focused coalitions.

A second question tends to follows, “What did these issue-focussed coalitions accomplish or try to accomplish? Overall, progressives sought to

  • curb cut-throat entrepreneurial capitalism/business monodies,
  • promote new ideas of social harmony,
  • promote new schemes of business-government cooperation. (11).  

Many reforms fell into three classes which were to

  • reshape adult behavior,
  • change other classes,
  • improve living conditions of workers, and to
  • modernize agrarian way of life. (11)  

As stated earlier progressivism contained many varied participants varied ideas and goals, varied coalitions that became political pressure groups.

Their efforts did produce a variety of results such as:

  • railroad legislation,
  • Federal Reserve Act,
  • Fair Trade Commission Act, and
  • the women’s right to vote.

The extra-party pressure groups that were formed included:

  • manufacturers’ organizations,
  • labor lobbies,
  • civic leagues,
  • trade associations,
  • women’s clubs,
  • professional associations, and
  • issue oriented lobbies.  

These helped to change the rules of politics of that time. (12)

SOURCES:  

  1. Robert H. Wiebe, The Search for Order: 1877-1920 (New York: Hill and Wang, 1967), 12.
  2. Michael McGerr, A Fierce Discontent: The Rise and Fall of the Progressive Movement in America, 1890-1920 (New York: Free Press, 2003); (Kindle Reader: L 133).
  3. Louise W. Knight, Citizen: Jane Addams and the Struggle for Democracy (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2005), 2.
  4. McGerr, 92.
  5. Richard Hofstadter, The Age of Reform (New York: Vintage Books, 1955); (Kindle Reader, L131-135).
  6. Charles Calhoun, ed., The Gilded Age: Perspectives on the Origins of Modern America, 2nd ed. (New York: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2007), 1. NOTE: “The Gilded Age” (1873) was the title of a novel written by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley satirizing business speculations and political corruption.
  7. Hofstadter, (Kindle reader, L4668).
  8. Peter G. Filene, “An Obituary for The Progressive Movement,” American Quarterly 22, no. 1 (Spring 1970), 20-34; Hofstadter, (Kindle Reader, L2261-2268); Daniel T. Rogers, “In Search for Progressivism,” Reviews in American History 10, no. 4 (December 1982), 114.
  9. Rogers, 121-122.
  10. Hofstadter, (Kindle Reader, L3715).
  11. Rogers, 120.
  12. McGerr, (Kindle Reader, L1510).
Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn

65 thoughts on “Historical Context of 1870 – 1914 America”

  1. That is very fascinating, You are an overly professional
    blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to
    searching for more of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks

    Reply

  2. I don’t even understand how I ended up right here, however I thought this put
    up used to be good. I don’t realize who you might be however certainly you’re going to a famous blogger in case you are not already.
    Cheers!

    Reply

  3. Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after reading through some of the post I
    realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m definitely happy I
    found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!

    Reply

  4. Hi, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks
    fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, amazing blog!

    Reply

  5. Cbd oil that works 2020
    Can I simply say what a comfort to uncover somebody who genuinely understands
    what they’re talking about on the web. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light
    and make it important. More and more people must check
    this out and understand this side of your story.
    It’s surprising you aren’t more popular given that you certainly have the gift.
    best rated cbd oil http://j.mp/3drY6lE cbd
    oil that works 2020 http://j.mp/3drY6lE

    Reply

  8. Good day! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could find a
    captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and
    I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!

    Reply

  12. When I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments
    are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get 4 emails
    with the exact same comment. There has to be a way you are able to remove me from that service?
    Kudos!

    Reply

  16. Your style is really unique in comparison to other folks I’ve
    read stuff from. Many thanks for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I will
    just book mark this site.

    Reply

  17. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and
    now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove me from that service?

    Many thanks!

    Reply

  18. I do not even know how I stopped up here, however I believed this
    publish used to be good. I do not realize who you are however certainly you are going to a
    well-known blogger if you are not already. Cheers!

    Reply

  20. Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really recognize what you’re speaking
    about! Bookmarked. Kindly also talk over
    with my site =). We could have a link alternate arrangement between us

    Reply

  21. Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old
    daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed.
    There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She
    never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell
    someone!

    Reply

  22. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do
    it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and
    would like to know where u got this from. thanks

    Reply

  25. Hi! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a
    quick shout out and say I genuinely enjoy reading through your blog posts.
    Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums
    that deal with the same topics? Thank you!

    Reply

  30. Everything said made a ton of sense. But, think on this, what
    if you added a little content? I ain’t suggesting your content is not
    solid, but suppose you added something to possibly grab a person’s attention? I mean Historical Context of 1870 – 1914 America – American Women's History Journey is a little boring.
    You should look at Yahoo’s front page and note how they create post titles to grab people to
    open the links. You might add a video or a related pic or two to
    grab readers excited about everything’ve got to say.
    In my opinion, it might make your website a little bit
    more interesting.

    Reply

  31. The other day, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a
    twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views.
    I know this is completely off topic but I had to share
    it with someone!

    Reply

  33. I do believe all of the ideas you’ve offered on your post.
    They are really convincing and will definitely work.
    Still, the posts are very short for starters. Could you please lengthen them a little from next time?

    Thanks for the post.

    Reply

  39. Superb blog! Do you have any helpful hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.

    Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go
    for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that
    I’m totally confused .. Any ideas? Cheers!

    Reply

  40. An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment.
    There’s no doubt that that you ought to write more about this issue, it may not be
    a taboo matter but usually people do not speak about such topics.

    To the next! Cheers!! cheap flights 34pIoq5

    Reply

  41. Hi are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog
    world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any coding expertise to
    make your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
    cheap flights 3aN8IMa

    Reply

  42. Thanks on your marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it, you might be a great
    author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back later in life.
    I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great work, have a nice weekend!
    2CSYEon cheap flights

    Reply

  45. Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.
    Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
    I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get
    there! Cheers 32hvAj4 cheap flights

    Reply

  48. I’ve learn several just right stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting.
    I wonder how a lot attempt you place to create this sort of excellent informative web site.

    Reply

  52. I’m extremely pleased to find this website. I want to to
    thank you for ones time for this particularly wonderful
    read!! I definitely savored every bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to look at new
    information on your site.

    Reply

  53. I just like the valuable information you provide on your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your weblog and test once more here regularly.
    I’m reasonably sure I will learn a lot of new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

    Reply

  54. I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website.
    I really hope to check out the same high-grade content from you
    later on as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my very own blog now 😉

    Also visit my homepage – sex tube

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

I accept that my given data and my IP address is sent to a server in the USA only for the purpose of spam prevention through the Akismet program.More information on Akismet and GDPR.

Informational Menu

Menu