REFORMERS

By: Jennifer Garst (Leader)
Zenna Hubbard (Asst. Group Leader)

The Progressive Era (1890’s – 1920’s) was a time of reform in the United States. There were many great people who helped to change the face of this country, and this was one of the first times in American history that you begin to see woman as great leaders and those who brought about change. The main goal of this time was to fight corruption in politics and strive to provide equality to all regardless of sex, race, ethnicity or creed. This was lead primarily by the middle class Americans comprised of lawyers, teachers and business people.

There were many women who helped shape our country and many of them were during the Progressive Era. Though Sojourner Truth wasn’t in the Progressive Era she was a strong woman who fought for the freedom of slaves and the rights of women. Sojourner was the reason that women reformers of the Progressive Era such as Jane Addams and
Anne Clay Crenshaw felt their voices would be heard and their demands would be met. Anne Clay Crenshaw was a reformer who experienced time before and during the Progressive Era. This helped her to perfect her strategies on fighting for women’s suffrage. Shortly after was Jane Addams, who was not content with the chaos of America and fought for peace in all dimensions. Also, Clara Barton’s mark will be forever seen in America’s past, present, and future as the organizer of the American Red Cross. Susan B. Anthony was another extraordinary Reformer. She was active in the anti-slavery movement. Susan also organized a Women’s National Loyal League to support and petition for the Thirteen Amendment outlawing slavery. She also asked for passage of a suffrage Amendment. Finally, all American women got the vote with the Nineteenth Amendment, also known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment in 1920.

These phenomenal women reformers have helped change America and continue to have an effect on our lives even today. It is because of these women that we have moved forward from slavery and broken the racial and gender biases that liter our history and continue to grow as a nation on the ideals of acceptance with opportunities for all.