Progressivism in the United States

Progressivism in the United States is a political philosophy and reform movement in the United States advocating policies that are generally considered left-wing, left-wing populist, democratic socialist, libertarian socialist, social democratic, and environmentalist. In mainstream American politics, progressives generally advocate a universal healthcare system, wage equity and labor rights, economic justice, social justice, opposition to the military–industrial complex, an increase in corporate regulation, the abolition of capital punishment, and action on climate change.

It reached its height early in the 20th century. Middle/working class and reformist in nature, it arose as a response to the vast changes brought by modernization such as the growth of large corporations, pollution and corruption in American politics.

Historian Alonzo Hamby describes American progressivism as a "political movement that addresses ideas, impulses, and issues stemming from modernization of American society. Emerging at the end of the nineteenth century, it established much of the tone of American politics throughout the first half of the century".[1]

In the 21st century, the term is often used to describe proponents of social justice and environmentalism.[2] While the modern progressive movement may be characterized as largely secular in nature, by comparison, the historical progressive movement was to a significant extent rooted in and energized by religion.[3]