In the 1890s the United States was occupied with settlements of the West since there were a lot of vacant lands to be discovered. Meanwhile, the idea of expansionism loomed in many people's minds. At the same time, many opposed this concept. Naval Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan and Colonel Theodore Roosevelt supported expansionism since they knew this would ensure the United States would be a world power. The United States seemed to have empirical interests …showed first 75 words of 456 total…

…showed last 75 words of 456 total…politics. In Wisconsin, reform Governor Robert LaFollette started using scholars and experts for the state government administration. This was called the "Wisconsin Idea." LaFollette always believed in doing the right thing. He opposed corruption in the government. By 1910, many states went through reform stages. Eventually, child labor laws were passed to protect children in rigorous working conditions. The beginning of progressivism, or reform led to many women fighting for voting rights and fair working conditions.