As usual, radical Socialists and disguised Communists take over words and terms having an uplifting and positive meaning to use them with the covert purpose to take advantage of their meaning to promote their goals. They are no longer Communists nor they even want to be called Socialists, but adopt instead the popular "Progressive" label.
However, the Progressive Movement was something quite different in the United States, with very laudable and well defined goals. It was an effort to cure many of the ills of the American society developing during the great spurt of industrial growth in the last quarter of the XIX century and early XX century. The so called "frontier" had been tamed, great cities and businesses developed, and the United States had emerged as a Big Power, but too many citizens did not share in the new wealth, prestige, and optimism.
This reform era began during Reconstruction, promoted by Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, and lasted until the American entry into World War I. The struggle for women`s rights and the temperance movement were the initial issues addressed. A farm movement also emerged to compensate for the declining importance of rural areas in an increasingly urbanized America. As part of this reform period, progressivism was rooted in the belief, certainly not shared by all, that man was capable of improving the lot of all within society, with no need for excessive and undesirable government meddling. In other words, it was a true movement opening the doors of public opinion to the path of participatory democracy.
Specific goals included:
► The desire to remove corruption and undue influence from government through the taming of bosses and political machines
► The effort to include more people more directly in the political process
► The conviction that government must play a role to solve some social problems and establish fairness in economic matters.
Progressive reforms followed during the first 20 years of the XX Century in the form of a conservation movement, railroad legislation, and food and drug laws. This progressive spirit also was evident in new amendments added to the Constitution providing new means to elect senators, protect society with law and order and extend suffrage to women. Urban problems were addressed as well by professional social workers who operated settlement houses as a means to protect and improve the prospects of the poor.
Despite the fact that the Progressive Movement, as such, disappeared after World War I, its influence was felt on subsequent years and such reforms were followed by others of similar importance, as the direct primary, secret ballot, and the initiative, referendum, and recall were effected. Local governments were strengthened by the widespread use of trained professionals, particularly with the city manager system often replacing the frequently corrupt mayoral system. In other words, less national government, and more power at the State and local levels, thus promoting more citizen participation.
This is a far cry from the so called "Progressives" in our current political scenario. Remember when Communist governments called themselves "Popular" and "Democratic"? We must be aware of their deceit. They are using other nice labels, but have similar goals.