Progressivism
has its roots in European philosophies in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Thinkers such
as Kant, Hegel, and Marx believed that governmental action could help solve societal problems
such as poverty, illiteracy, and economic inequality.
Early in the 20th
century the Progressive party made some inroads in American politics under the leadership of
Theodore Roosevelt and the Bull Moose Party. They supported causes such as environmental
conservation, improved labor laws, and also supported labor unions. It is interesting to note
that at this point in American political history, these positions were more closely identified
with the Republican party than the Democratic party.
As the 20th century
unfolded economic conditions changed and Progressives came to be more aligned with liberal
views. The Great Depression threw many of the nations citizens into financially desperate
circumstances, and Franklin Roosevelts New Deal put the government at the forefront of efforts
to help pull the nation out of the crisis. In this sense, liberal and progressive ideas were
closely linked.
In modern day politics it is often hard to see a difference
between Progressives and Democrats. They often vote together on major issues. Some of the
current issues attracting Progressive interest include the attempt to raise the minimum wage,
the legalization of marijuana use, and the reform of drug sentencing rules.
CNN recently published the following quotation from Adam Green of the Progressive
Change Campaign Committee:
"In some areas, like
ending two wars, (Obama's) presidency has represented a return to some sanity. But on the core
issue of corporate power and a government that fights for the little guy, this administration so
far has had a lot of missed opportunities."
This
shows that Progressives are not entirely beholden to the Democratic party--they have their own
ideas and agendas.
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