Essay Example on Progressivism in the U.S.: Examining the Initiatives of the Progressive Era

What was the central theme or message of the presentation?

The main message of the first video was the initiatives made during the progressive era to address many of the social issues such as immigration, inequality, racial discrimination, and the negative effects of industrialization.

The second video focused on the roaring twenties, which John Green depicted as a period of massive growth and development in the United States (CrashCourse, 2013b). However, the video also highlighted the negativity of the period, including the restriction of immigration and the increase in inequality.

How was the theme or message conveyed to the audience?

The message was conveyed by discussing the different strategies used. Some of these strategies included the use of media to shun child labor, the formation of unions to fight for better pay and working conditions, and the use of legislation such as minimum wage (CrashCourse, 2013a).

The theme of development was portrayed by showing the different sectors that flourished, as well as the lifestyle changes that occurred during this era. Some of the key developments included the manufacture of cars, other machines such as the washing machine, as well as the freedom of women (CrashCourse, 2013b).

What did you observe and/or hear that was significant to this week’s readings?

The discussion on how the voting rights of African Americans were infringed played a crucial part. This infringement is a practice that has continued to date. States used literacy tests to limit the rights of African Americans to vote (CrashCourse, 2013a). As a result, the voter turnout declined.

Another key observation was the laissez-faire capitalism characteristic of the twenties that helped businesses grow. This was important to understand why businesses flourished during this period.

What information did you gain from the presentation that would not have been conveyed by the written source (this week’s readings)?

In the video, pictures are shown of children engaging in child labor (CrashCourse, 2013a). This picture helped paint a clear picture of the extent of the problems encountered in the progressive era.

The other video thoroughly explained the issue of immigration, revealing why some immigrants, such as Mexicans, were not restricted. It showed that the US has always been dependent on immigrants to sustain its labor force, as was the case in the farms in California.

What questions remain unanswered after the presentation?

What was achieved during the progressive era? Was child labor stopped? Were the unions successful? Did African Americans overcome the restrictions to vote?

Conclusion

One aspect that was not explained in detail was the issue of inequality. The twenties were a period where businesses grew. Wages increased, and the standard of living increased. However, the rate of inequality soared. This rise in inequality is not clear as the economy seemed to favor all parties.

References

CrashCourse (2013a, Aug. 29). The progressive era: Crash course US History #27 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0Q4zPR4G7M#action=share

CrashCourse (2013b, Oct. 4). The roaring 20's: Crash course US History #32 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfOR1XCMf7A#action=share