ABSTRACT
In celebrating electricity, Buffalo’s 1901 Pan American Exhibition inaugurated an era so dedicated to progress that its dominant spirit was labeled Progressivism. Of course, every age considers itself progressive, but during the early 20th century, the optimistic belief in, pursuit of and arguments about progress dominated the American mind in an unprecedented way. Progress itself was a multi-faceted concept embraced by a broad spectrum of people advocating various, potentially conflicting causes. For example, the progress promoted by industrialists clashed with the progress desired by labor organizers; the progress embodied by urban growth clashed with the progress sought by urban reformers concerned about political corruption and poverty. Without undermining economic progress, the determination to recognize and reduce these tensions shaped Progressivism.
