Reflection: Answer each of the following questions in a concise, but substantive paragraph of no more than one page (double-spaced):

: 1) To what extent did political leaders (national, state, and local) fulfill the goals of progressive reformers? Political leaders seemed to have only fulfilled the goals of progressive reformers to a certain extent. The work done by certain local-tunednational groups (such as the Womens Christian Temperance Movement) eventually paid off when the government granted them national successes for their efforts, such as the 18th amendment. Alone with temperance, womens rights in government was greatly influenced by local groups, such as the Hull House. The passing on the 19th amendment did fulfill the goals of womens rights reformers, however there was no drastic attempt at achieving this goal. It seems as if political leaders attempted to eliminate themselves between these group and the government, allowing for direct communication on the solving on their issues. Certain mayors, such as Tom L. Johnson, focused much more on the actual government of their city, rather than solving the goals of progressive reformers.

2) Overall, was the Progressive movement conservative or liberal? Explain. Be sure to define the terms liberal and conservative.

If the progressive movement were to be liberal, it would contain governmental changes within the system, so to speak, and contain a more narrow focus on the individual, rather than on a group of people. They prefer involvement in big government and more focused on freedom/independence. If the progressive movement is considered liberal, which I believe it to be, it is more focused on equality, governmental changes that would change the foundation of our countrys morals, rather than change within the system. They are also open to more radical, as well as rapid, change to the country. The pace at which our country was shifting, correcting, fixing, and growing during the progressive era leaves no other option than to consider itself a liberal movement. The heavy focus on equality (womens rights, immigrants rights, etc) and equality within the economic field further prove the liberal nature of the progressive movement.

3) In your own opinion, who was the most progressive President: Roosevelt, Taft, or Wilson? Justify your answer. As much as Id love to be able to justify that Taft getting stuck in the bathtub meant he was just so full of political reform tactics, sadly I

cannot. Theodore Roosevelt was by far the most progressive president, and however repeated that statement is, it remains to hold true. Taft didnt even like politics. When a man is the president of the United States, a passion or even a drive at best in politics is what gets the ball rolling, so to speak. TR combined his hearty personality with his political tactics, which resulted in not only progress, but citizens who were embracing the progress. TR made himself personable to the national public, which is turn created a stronger connection between government and society, and allowing for more radical and liberal changes to be made and embraces during the progressive era.