goodness for the sewing machine. And cars have evolved from a luxury
             to a necessity in most parts of our nation. Our technological advances
             placed American at a distinct advantage in international finance and
             politics, forcing the rest of the world to play catch-up in more ways than
             Although the Industrial Revolution brought many positive changes to
             America, it also caused some unforeseen problems, including increases in
             pollution, dangerous workplace conditions and the exploitation of women and
             children as workers. Big business and its Captains of Industry helped
             America prosper, but their power could not go unchecked. This is where the
             The progressives came from a long tradition of middle-class elites
             possessing a strong sense of social duty to the poor. The social
             hierarchy wherein blue-blooded, native stock was at the top and the
             poor along with the "darker-skinned" were at the bottom, was accepted
             by the elite. But inherent in their role as privileged members of
             society was a certain degree of responsibility for the less fortunate.
             The Progressive Movement tried to address many of the problems created by
             the Industrial Revolution. Although poor people had increasing access
             ...