Chapter 5 in Chronicling California examines the progressive era in some detail. Progressive reform was, in part, a response to the excesses of the Gilded Age, an attempt to correct some of the worst abuses of power and the political process that characterized California. In part, it arose out of mostly middle-class fears that unless these abuses were addressed, a more serious uprising of “the masses” would result. While we associate the term “progress” with positive developments in our history, it behooves us to consider the negative impact of some of the progressive policies especially in the area of immigration reform, addressed in Chapter 6 of the reader.
This week’s discussion asks you to consider the progressive era in California history and specifically to think about the legacies it left. Think about the primary sources, about the progressive ideas and reforms, in light of the conversations today about politics, the political process, gender, race and ethnicity. The very act of voting today is because of progressives (woman suffrage, initiatives, recalls, etc). In your post, be sure to reference specific sources and discuss them in some detail, explaining your thinking.
Post your big question place the question clearly on top of the page in bold;
