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Progressivism

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Progressivism is a way of thinking about how to improve the human condition.

John Stuart Mill by London Stereoscopic Company, c1870
John Stuart Mill by London Stereoscopic Company, c1870

People who follow these ideas want to help societies grow. They believe that change can make the world better for everyone. Many different groups call themselves progressives. They often want to fix problems caused by businesses with too much power. They also believe a democratic government should protect human rights. This can include helping people develop their culture and skills.

Progressivism works by looking for ways to fix unfair systems.

Immanuel Kant - Gemaelde 1
Immanuel Kant - Gemaelde 1

Many progressives believe that the government should act as a check on large companies. They want to make sure that monopolies do not control everything. They also look for ways to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor. Some progressives focus on technology to help people move forward. Others focus on social rules to make life fairer. This can include better schools and safer places to work.

This idea began a long time ago during the Age of Enlightenment.

Immanuel Kant - Gemaelde 1
Immanuel Kant - Gemaelde 1

The German philosopher Immanuel Kant said progress was moving away from barbarism. He thought people were moving toward civilization. Another thinker, the Marquis de Condorcet, had many big hopes. He predicted that slavery would end and poverty would decline. He also hoped that more people would learn to read. In the 1800s, people wanted to modernize the economy and society.

In the United States, a special time called the Progressive Era began around 1890.

Congressional Progressive Caucus Logo
Congressional Progressive Caucus Logo

During this era, people fought against greed and unfair treatment of workers. Leaders like President Theodore Roosevelt were part of this movement. He believed that progressivism and conservatism could work together. Later, President Woodrow Wilson used his Fourteen Points to talk about fairness for all nations. In the 1930s, the New Deal became a famous progressive program. It helped many people during very difficult economic times.

Today, progressivism is still active all over the world.

Progressive Alliance
Progressive Alliance

There are large groups that work together across many different countries. For example, the Progressive Alliance was founded in Leipzig, Germany, in 2013. Another group called Progressive International started in May 2020. These groups want to fight for democracy and fairness everywhere. In the United Kingdom, groups like the Green Party also use progressive ideas. They focus on things like the environment and social fairness.

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🖼️ Images & Media (13)
File:Immanuel Kant - Gemaelde 1.jpg
Immanuel Kant - Gemaelde 1.jpg
File:John Stuart Mill by London Stereoscopic Company, c1870.jpg
John Stuart Mill by London Stereoscopic...
File:Progressive Alliance.svg
Progressive Alliance.svg
File:PI-Logo-Stack.svg
PI-Logo-Stack.svg
File:Green Party protestors 2011.jpg
Green Party protestors 2011.jpg
File:Launching the 2019 General Election campaign (49013243026).jpg
Launching the 2019 General Election...
File:Nestor y Cristina at Luna Park 2010.jpg
Nestor y Cristina at Luna Park 2010.jpg
File:02.06.2023 - Cerimônia de inauguração do Bloco Zeta da UFABC (52946826457).jpg
02.06.2023 - Cerimônia de inauguração do...
File:Ciudad segura CSP 03.jpg
Ciudad segura CSP 03.jpg
File:Justin Trudeau (52463741473).jpg
Justin Trudeau (52463741473).jpg
File:Nomination of Richard Cordray.jpg
Nomination of Richard Cordray.jpg
File:Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez & Bernie Sanders (54401274152).jpg
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez & Bernie Sanders...

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