Overarching Thesis: Progressivism

Everyone in class explored a topic in the Progressive Era. Then, we were split into groups of three to use our new knowledge to form a thesis, introduction, and conclusion based on our topics. The theses we all created are summarized below.


Reformers and public figures promoted changing views/attitudes about health/fitness.

People started to have new expectations about the role of government in promoting higher standards for society.

People took measures to protect themselves from new threats/modern issues.

Innovations in transportation allowed people to move around in new ways.

All-encompassing wave of reform included a variety of strategies to attack problems of all kinds.

Innovations brought improvements and provoked new fears/anxieties, many of which turned out to be unfounded.


Then, I formed a thesis statement based on the first thesis statement. It is:


An increase in intelligence, technology, and awareness brought about by the Progressive movement led the people of America to drastically change the nation in mostly positive, but some negative, ways. Overall, the people were empowered to expect more from their country.