EPISODE · Feb 16, 2026 · 37 MIN
Progressivism Gets Political (and Complicated)
from APUSH for All · host Zach Garrison, Riley Keltner, and Mike Hill
Progressivism wasn’t just feel-good reform—it became a struggle over who controlled American democracy and modern life. In this episode, Mr. Hill, Ms. Keltner, and Dr. Garrison trace how reformers tackled city machines, pushed direct primaries, initiative/referendum/recall, and the secret ballot—while noting who these “clean elections” left out. The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire becomes a turning point, showing how tragedy sparked workplace safety laws. Then we pivot to temperance and the 18th Amendment, and to Progressivism’s darker side: immigration restriction and eugenics. Finally, we follow Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson—and the era’s enduring contradictions. Along way, we ask what reform means—and for whom.
What this episode covers
Progressivism wasn’t just feel-good reform—it became a struggle over who controlled American democracy and modern life. In this episode, Mr. Hill, Ms. Keltner, and Dr. Garrison trace how reformers tackled city machines, pushed direct primaries, initiative/referendum/recall, and the secret ballot—while noting who these “clean elections” left out. The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire becomes a turning point, showing how tragedy sparked workplace safety laws. Then we pivot to temperance and the 18th Amendment, and to Progressivism’s darker side: immigration restriction and eugenics. Finally, we follow Roosevelt, Taft, and Wilson—and the era’s enduring contradictions. Along way, we ask what reform means—and for whom.
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Progressivism Gets Political (and Complicated)
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