Why do you think it was that people did not pay attention to the conditions in the factories and political corruption until the progressive movement?
Social activism is a fairly new concept. Throughout most of history people have tended to mind their own business and not pay much attention to the plight of people they didn't know. The workers themselves accepted their conditions and believed they could do nothing about them.
It took strong leaders and dedicated workers to bring about the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Most white people weren't very aware of the plight of blacks until their attention was caught by the Civil Rights workers and the excesses of Southern segregation and brutality shown on TV.
The lack of attention towards the conditions in factories and political corruption can be attributed to several factors. One primary reason was the limited access to information and weak channels of communication during earlier periods. Before the advent of widespread media coverage and the internet, news of these issues was often localized and confined to word-of-mouth communication. This made it difficult for people to fully comprehend the extent of the problems and the need for action.
Additionally, societal attitudes and prevailing ideologies played a significant role in shaping public opinion. During the Industrial Revolution and the Gilded Age, the prevailing laissez-faire philosophy emphasized limited government intervention in economic affairs. Many believed that government interference in business was unnecessary and would hinder economic growth. This mindset resulted in a general indifference towards the conditions within factories, as well as corruption in the political sphere.
However, the Progressive Movement emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a response to these issues. It advocated for social and political reforms, aiming to address the problems that previous generations had ignored. The movement gained momentum due to several factors, including a growing middle class, the rise of investigative journalism, and the work of muckrakers who exposed societal injustices.
As people became more aware of the dire conditions in factories and the pervasive corruption in politics, public opinion shifted. Gradually, more attention was given to issues such as workplace safety, labor rights, and governmental transparency. This led to the enactment of key reforms, including the Pure Food and Drug Act, the establishment of labor regulations, and the direct election of senators.
In summary, the lack of attention towards factory conditions and political corruption before the Progressive Movement can be attributed to limited access to information, prevailing ideologies that prioritized economic growth over social concerns, and a lack of organized efforts to address these issues. The Progressive Movement played a crucial role in redirecting public attention towards these problems and initiating substantial reforms.