Time

The Progressive Era actually started long before 1900 and continues in many ways to the present time, for American has been in the business of reform from its earliest existence as a nation. Yet the Progressive Ear as designated by historians—roughly 1900 to 1916—was a “just in time” phenomenon. Had Progressivism for some reason not gotten off the ground, the country could well have seen far more violence and upheaval than actually happened. By the end of the 19th Century much of America was a tinderbox. Cities were crowded with millions of immigrants, working conditions were appalling, and corruption darkened politics from the local level to the highest institutions in the land. Some thing had to be done, and it was. Although the progressive reformers did not fix everything, there was little that escaped their fury. With input from the “muckrakers”—journalists such as Ida Tarbell, Lincoln Steffens and others—and under the leadership of Theodore Roosevelt and many other political and business leaders, the nation began to clean up its act. By 1916 hundreds of national, state and local laws had begun to make the cities cleaner and healthier, the workplace safer, and businessmen more honest and considerate of their workers and customers. Much was done out of what has been called “enlightened self-interest,” which for some meant doing the right thing for the wrong reasons. But whatever the motives of the reformers, progress was made, and not a moment too soon.
http://www.sagehistory.net/progressive/index.html

Important Mississippi Events between 1900-1916:

1903 - A new capitol building, constructed at a cost of $1 million, is dedicated in Jackson.

1907-The boll weevil arrives in Mississippi, destroying most of the state's cotton crop.

1908 - Mississippi adopts statewide prohibition.

1910 - Mississippi Normal College, now the University of Southern Mississippi, is organized.

1916 - The Mississippi State Sanatorium for Tuberculosis is established.
Governor Theodore Bilbo establishes the state's first Highway Commission.

http://www.shgresources.com/ms/timeline/

Alma's religious views on faith played a large role in all of her decision making. She prayed often and didn't agree with any forms of immoral behavior. She was considered a spinster since she was over the typical marrying age. She had never engaged in any sexual encounters since her beliefs prohibited her to do so without being married. John on the other hand was not influenced by religion at all. He was a very skilled physician that had the tendency of being a flirt. Most of the money he earned went directly to gambling at the nearest casino. He in a way degraded women because of his lack of respect and his actions. Art was one thing that he and Alma valued. They both enjoyed various works whether it be through paintings, sculpture, entertainment or books.