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The Idea of Progress and Change in the American Society
Philosophical proponents of the idea or the concept of progress assert that the conditions of human life have improved over time, and will continue to improve. In the light of the progress idea, the American society can be said to have progressed over time since history. The idea of progress influenced the American society at all elements of life by changing the thinking of the people to embrace the liberal domestic society and avoid the old ways (West and Schambra 1). Considering all the perspectives of life, it is rational to conclude that the United States society has progressed in all of them. This is because of the change in the status of life and the improvements that have been recorded to Americans and to the nation as a whole.
The idea of progress started changing the social setup of American society to involve social interactions that involve equality for all. Social inequality had influenced American society and interaction at all levels (Bury 215). A good example is the discrimination against the minorities, especially the notorious racist discrimination against African-Americans. Over time, American society has learnt that all people are equal and that African-Americans are as equal as any other race (Bury 215). This change was influenced by the idea of progress in the twentieth century and was marked by the passing of laws that ended racism. While racism still exists in the United States today, the few cases reported show the consequences of failure to embrace progress as the idea of change.
The idea of progress has slowly influenced the economic life of the American society to lead to the development of stronger and robust America. The idea of progress appeared to have influenced the period of invention that was marked after the civil war and early in the nineteenth century (Bury 24). For example, the inventions by the early industrialists like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison seems to have been influenced by the need to introduce progress in the social and economic setup. At the same time, the development of industries like steel, fuel, motor, transport and communication industries was influenced by the need for a progressive society.
The progressive society was seen in the changes that happened in the political landscape in America due to the influence by the idea of progress. The changes in the laws and amendments to the constitution were based on the view that the American was meant to be a better society. For instance, the changes brought about by the 17th Amendment to the United States constitution allowed the direct election of senators by the voters (McDaniel 29). This was progressive as it gave people more power and influence over their leadership.
The idea of progress is best seen in the progressivism movement that appeared in the United States in the late nineteenth century and spilled to the twentieth century. The progressivism movement was seen in the context of economic, political and cultural changes that sought the development of the United States for a better society (West and Schambra 1). In social setup, intellectuals sought for better interaction with equal opportunities for, at economic and cultural levels. The economic developments led to the growth of the American economy and industries that have since influenced the world. At the political scene, the idea of progress opened for more inclusive political environment and equal rights for all. This way, the idea of progress influenced American society at all levels towards gradual change.
Works Cited
Bury, John. The Idea of Progress: An Inquiry Into its Origin and Growth. New York: Courier Corporation Publishing, 2014
McDaniel, Jerry. Progressivism: A Philosophy of Evil. Illinois: Illinois Conservative
West, Thomas, and Schambra, William. The Progressive Movement and the Transformation of American Politics. Web, Accessed, June 22, 2015<http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2007/07/the-progressive-movement-and-the-transformation-of-american-politic>