Progressivism (United States)
- Progressivism emerged in the early 20th century as a reform movement that sought to address the problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption.
- Reformers like Theodore Roosevelt, Jane Addams, and Woodrow Wilson promoted government regulation of business, labor rights, social justice, and women’s suffrage.
- The Progressive movement helped establish antitrust laws, child labor restrictions, and public health reforms, but it often excluded minorities and reinforced racial segregation.
Manifest Destiny and Expansionism
- The ideology of Manifest Destiny, which had justified westward expansion in the 19th century, evolved into U.S. imperialism by the late 1800s. This supported overseas expansion in places like Cuba, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the Philippines after the Spanish–American War (1898).
- It reflected a belief in American exceptionalism and racial superiority, linking national power to divine purpose. This idea shaped U.S. foreign policy and justified intervention across Latin America under the Monroe Doctrine and Roosevelt Corollary.
Liberalism and Nationalism in Latin America
- Liberalism dominated 19th-century Latin America, emphasizing free trade, secular education, and individual rights, but often favored elites over Indigenous and rural populations.
- Nationalism began rising in the early 20th century, promoting unity and pride in national identity. In Mexico, the Revolution (1910–1920) fueled nationalist movements that sought to reclaim land, culture, and sovereignty from foreign and domestic elites.
- Nationalist ideologies often mixed with cultural revival, especially “indigenismo,” which celebrated Indigenous heritage as central to national identity.
Definition
Indigenismo
A political and cultural movement in early twentieth-century Latin America that celebrated Indigenous heritage and called for greater recognition and inclusion of Indigenous peoples in national identity and policy.
Positivism and Modernization
- Positivism, derived from the ideas of French philosopher Auguste Comte, became influential among Latin American elites, especially in Brazil and Mexico.
- It promoted the belief that scientific reasoning and order would lead to progress, justifying strong centralized governments that could modernize “backward” societies.
