Progressivism and "U.S.A.:The 42nd Parallel"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the ideals of the Progressivist Era in the U.S.A during the period 1900-1917 and looks at how it was a revolution of sorts among the middle classes. It shows how the novel, "U.S.A.: The 42nd Parallel", by John Dos Passos is a positive, hopeful, and entertaining depiction of what life was like in the United States during the this time. It discusses how it represents and parallels the society of the time and the ideals of the Progressivist movement through the depiction of the lives of people such as labor radicals, advertising executives, sailors, stenographers, interior decorators, and movie stars.
Outline
The Ideals of the Progressivist Era
The 42nd Parallel
Class and Gender in Progressivism
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Three women in the novel represent the opportunities open to females during the progressivist era. They are Eleanor Stoddard, Eveline Hutchins and Janey. Despite the fact that Eleanor and Eveline are from humble and wealthy beginnings respectively, they go to the same
school, where they meet. This represents the education opportunities provided to all classes by the government. They go on to begin a successful interior design business, thus depicting women in the world of business. Eleanor later develops a friendship with the wealthy J. Walter Moorehouse. Janey is also from humble beginnings, living with her brother Joe in an old brick house in Georgestown."

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