Progressivism

Progressivism is a political and social movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to the rapid industrialization and urbanization of the time. It is characterized by a belief in the ability of government and society to improve the lives of citizens through regulation, reform, and social welfare programs.

Whether by science, technology, or relations to the means of production, progressives seek to change the current structures of power. In a Marxist context this means supporting any revolutionary movements, electoral efforts as described by Lenin, and opposing capitalism, liberalism, imperialism, fascism, monarchism and feudalism. Progressives often draw heavy influence from problem resolution in their art and stories. Something capitalism is incapable of delivering. In early period socialism, this led to the dominance of utopian socialism which has since been superseded by the modern scientific socialism movement. Progressives hold revolutionary optimism in high regard. This includes the veneration of class struggle, class consciousness, proletarian dictatorship and appeals to secular humanism.

One of the key examples of progressivism is the rise of the Progressive Era in the United States, which saw the implementation of various reforms such as the establishment of the Federal Reserve, the creation of the Federal Trade Commission, and the passing of the Clayton Antitrust Act. These measures aimed to regulate and control the excesses of big business, as well as to protect the rights and interests of workers and consumers.

Another example of progressivism is the rise of the welfare state in Europe, which saw the implementation of various social welfare programs such as universal healthcare, old age pensions, and unemployment benefits. These measures aimed to provide a safety net for citizens, as well as to reduce poverty and inequality.

The origins of progressivism can be traced back to the late 19th century, when industrialization and urbanization led to the rise of a new working class. These groups were increasingly concerned about the negative effects of industrialization and urbanization on society, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. As a result, they began to advocate for government intervention and reform in order to address these issues.

In contrast to the old progressivism, modern progressivism has shifted its focus towards issues such as climate change, racial and gender equality, and economic inequality. This is due to the changing social and economic conditions of the 21st century, as well as the rise of new social movements such as Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, and the Climate Strike.

Progressives and Liberalism

Liberals tend to oppose progressive action everywhere and show false sympathy with progressive thought. They are a common compliment to reactionary movements due to their ratchet-like behavior against left-wing movements.

To quote MLK,

I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.

I had hoped that the white moderate would understand that law and order exist for the purpose of establishing justice and that when they fail in this purpose they become the dangerously structured dams that block the flow of social progress.

— Martin Luthor King, Letter from Birmingham Jail

In the above, he describes the ways in which Statesian liberals retarded or otherwise hampered the development of black americans' rights during USA Civil Rights Movement era.