Register for "The Progressive Era"

After the Civil War, the challenges presented by a developing industrial economy helped to encourage the progressive movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The political and economic landscape had changed fundamentally, and many argued that industrialization, technological innovation, urbanization, big business, and large accumulations of wealth threatened equality of opportunity and the common good. Political corruption only added to the problem. Special interests were said to dominate the political process to the benefit of the few and the detriment of the many. Broadly understood, progressivism sought to respond to these perceived challenges. Yet it failed to respond to the challenge of Jim Crow and racial injustice.

This TAH Seminar provides teachers the opportunity to explore the Progressive Era in America through the study of original historical documents in a conversation among peers in which classroom teachers are active participants. A scholar/expert in the Progressive Era, will facilitate the discussion using the documents provided.