Progressive Reform Movement Analysis

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Progressive Reformers History when given the proper perspective is a lot like a diamond in the rough; it is an invaluable resource to those who take the time to acquire it. This thought can be reflected in the work of literature ‘Workers’ Control of Machine Production in the Nineteenth Century’ by David Montgomery and James W. Fraser work ‘A History of Hope’. The thought really is a reoccurring theme in both of these text, that thought being ‘As a team we can accomplish the dream’. In both passages the employers are oppressing the working classes but by the strength of a dream in time we can see a team being formed. In chapter seven of A History of Hope a woman who went by the name of Mother Jones prove to be a very powerful example of someone who thoroughly believed and lived by the above quote. The author himself even noted “…Jones [Mother Jones] always insisted that laboring men and women could change their own destinies… if they would just be strong, be organized…” (Pg. 151) Mother Jones was actively involved in union organizing for half a century. She accomplished this first and foremost by her…show more content…
So much so what could be called, “…the most hope-filled, union in the nation’s history…” (Pg.174 A History of Hope) was formed, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). With over two hundred delegates and many more industrial workers the goal of the IWW was to create worker solidarity and social freedom for those involved with the group. The Lawrence Strike of 1912 is a perfect example of the impact the IWW had on its members. On New Year’s Day 1912 a new law was passed cutting the wages of the workers. By the time everyone received his or her paychecks two weeks later. Each person looked at their pay cut and walked off the job. “Thus was launched one of the most heroic and most romanticized of all American strikes.” (Pg.178 A History of

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