Wayback Wednesday: The Progressive Era

Wayback Wednesday: The Progressive Era

Taking place from 1901-1929, the Progressive Era in America somewhat parallels the Edwardian Age in England, but rather than the result of trends set by a monarch, the time period was the result of the desire for furthering social and political reform, curbing political corruption caused by political machines, and limiting the political influence of large corporations. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and immigration had created the “haves” and the “have-nots.” Slums, poverty, and worker exploitation were rampant across the nation, and monopolies had a tight grip on nearly every industry.

Numerous movements attempted to solve perceived social, political, and economic problems through scientific methods, protecting the environment, and subjecting businesses to copious regulations.

Corruption and “undemocratic political machines,” as one source put it, were targeted by reformers. The

establishment of primary elections, direct election of senators (rather than by state legislatures), referendums, and eventually the right of women to vote brought about much needed change, but not enough.

Monopolies were headed by rich, powerful men who bought politicians and other influential individuals. In an effort to promote fair competition, Progressives pushed antitrust laws and advocated for new government agencies with the responsibility of regulating industry.

At this time magazines experienced a surge in popularity as their prices fell and they began to cover corruption in politics, local government, and big business, known as muckraking. These muckrakers exposed social and political wrongdoing. McClure’s is one of the more well-known of these magazines. At the same time, authors, such as Upton Sinclair, were also addressing the situation. His 1906 novel, The Jungle, attacked unsanitary and inhumane practices in the meatpacking industry. The outcry from his readers prompted the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act passed.

Interestingly, the number of rich families increased significantly, from 100 or so millionaires in the 1870s to 16,000 by 1916. Steel magnate Andrew Carnegie led a host of them to a lifestyle of philanthropy, saying they owed a duty to society. During the time, hundreds of millions of dollars were bestowed or bequeathed to colleges, hospitals, libraries, museums, and other organizations aimed at improving the lives of “everyday people.”

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Love and Chocolate

She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love?

Ilsa Krause and her siblings are stunned to discover their father left massive debt behind upon his death. To help pay off their creditors and save the farm, she takes a job at Beck’s Chocolates, the company her father despised and refused to supply with milk. Then she discovers her boss is Ernst Webber, her high school love who unceremoniously dumped her via letter from college. Could life get any more difficult?

A freshly-minted university diploma in his hand, Ernst Webber lands his dream job at Beck’s Chocolates. His plans to work his way up the ladder don’t include romantic entanglements, then Ilsa Krause walks back into his life resurrecting feelings he thought long dead. However, her animosity makes it clear she has no interest in giving him a second chance. Can he get her to change her mind? Does he want to?

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