In April 1912, President Theodore Roosevelt managed to give a speech by the name “Who is a Progressive.” In this particular speech that remains relevant up to date, Roosevelt speaks about what a progressive means. He tries to make people understand from the speech what a progressive is, and he said, “Every man who fights fearlessly and effectively against special privilege in any form is to that extent a Progressive.”  He goes ahead and tells us that a progressive, can be used to refer to those people who think about moving forward, improving human life and believe in the potential witnessed in other people. He encourages people to consider in the ideology of those belonging to the progressive movement that, people’s will should be adhered to, and industrial justice should be practiced. This can be achieved through the protection of young girls from hazardous machinery. The rights of women and children should be respected as far as their technical responsibilities are concerned. He also promises the essence of having access to right living conditions for those residing in crowded areas.

Roosevelt refers to an “anti-progressive” as an individual who supports privilege or special interests either directly or indirectly. That is whether he does it with evil intentions or without understanding. He describes them as people who are opposed to all that means well for society. For instance, the “anti-progressive” is against justice for the weak. Therefore, they conspire and participate in manipulating the law to satisfy their selfish interests. Roosevelt describes them as being hostile. They are always opposed to good initiatives like helping factory girls, women and children’s rights.

In his speech, Roosevelt brings to light various goals of progressivism. The primary goal, as can be seen, is to ensure social justice for all. He illustrates how this can be achieved and later declares whoever opposing these goals as an enemy of the American people. For instance, he emphasizes ensuring that factory girls are not subjected to any form of torture. They should be protected from machinery that can harm them and destroy their lives. He also talks about focusing on setting up an appropriate time for labor. Therefore, society should ensure that the working conditions at various industries are addressed. Another goal that is attached to progressivism, as can be drawn from the speech is that one of encouraging people to increase the productivity of their farms. This goal implies that the area that needs to be addressed in society is the land and its usage together with its management. People will need to send the way they conduct their businesses. This will result in the expansion of their farms’ products market. Hence, this will increase opportunities for improving their social lives.

In his speech, Roosevelt highlights some progressive achievements. For instance, he highlights how the legislators have managed to decongest crowded areas occupied by people. This achievement has led to the existence of better living conditions. This has resulted in increased living standards of people. Granting women the right to vote is another progressive achievement. Though this, women are feeling to be part and parcel of the democratic process that is being experienced in their country. Therefore this achievement has granted them respect, and as a result, their dignity and worth have been restored onto them.