American History

The history of Arkansas during the progressive era is rather unique when compared to other states in the South. When the Republicans lost grip of the state in the late 19th century, Democrats took over and tightened their grip especially when progressivism became embraced by the party. This period saw the enhancement of health, education, and the woman suffrage in Arkansas as it was among the first to approve the nineteenth Amendment.

The progressive era in the United States was in the early part of the 20th century covering the period between 1901 and 1918. This period was characterized by a reformation movement which composed of young and energetic men and women who were born after the Civil War. The progressive movement was mainly consisting of middle class individuals mainly from the Republican Party with a primary urban settlement. The outlook of the progressives was modern. The Democrats joined in the Progressivism a decade later in 1912. This paper will look at the progressive activities in the Arkansas state of the US.

Progressive movement in Arkansas
The movement reached Arkansas belatedly after the death of Jeff Davis which opened a new chapter on how people approached politics. People became more rational and less emotional in politics and the progressive movement remained a force in Arkansas during the 1920s. The Republicans after losing the statewide grip in the late 19th century, they resorted to articulating some progressive issues (Dougan, 1994).

The Civil War in the South had devastated Arkansas in terms of loss of life, homes and property. Nevertheless, the slaves were now free and were granted some rights to participate in the local and national politics during the reconstruction era. The power shifted from the Republicans to Democrats and made it possible to push the segregation legislations through the National assembly. At the turn of the 19th century, African Americans in the southern states were denied political participation through techniques including poll tax, but Arkansas was affiliated to the Democratic Party. The Progressive Era that came in early 20th century brought with it enhancement in education and health among other areas of life (The Department of Arkansas Heritage, 2010). In 1913, Arkansas legislation championed for women rights and Charles Brough became the first governor to support women suffrage. Though the 1918 constitution that could have given women the right to vote failed, they were allowed to participate in the Party primaries (Dougan, 1994).

Conclusion
It is clear that Arkansas came to advance a great deal during the period that was referred to as the progressive era. The advancement made in education and health sectors which saw the professionals taking control of different agencies in the state government. Arkansas was one of the first states to adopt the 19th amendment which allowed the women to vote.