The years between about 1898 and 1914, which this volume explores, are sometimes seen as the watershed or dividing line between an old-fashioned and a modern America. A similar case could of course be made out for other eras. We might argue that the Civil War marked a still more decisive break in the course of American history. Yet people alive during the "Progressive Era" did feel that profound changes were taking place. "New" has always been one of America's favorite words.
The years between about 1898 and 1914, which this volume explores, are sometimes seen as the watershed or dividing line between an old-fashioned and a modern America. A similar case could of course be made out for other eras. We might argue that the Civil War marked a still more decisive break in the course of American history. Yet people alive during the "Progressive Era" did feel that profound changes were taking place. "New" has always been one of America's favorite words.