The Progressive Era was a period of social, political, and economic reform in the United States that took place from the 1890s to the 1920s. It was marked by significant developments in areas such as industrialization, urbanization, and immigration. During this time, many people became concerned about the negative effects of these developments on society, such as corruption, poverty, and inequality. In response, a movement known as Progressivism emerged, which sought to address these issues through a variety of means, including legislation, activism, and education.
One of the key goals of the Progressive Era was to eliminate corruption in government. Progressives believed that corruption was a major impediment to progress and that it had to be rooted out in order for the country to move forward. They worked to pass a variety of laws, such as the Pendleton Act of 1883, which established a merit-based system for hiring federal employees, and the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, which aimed to break up monopolies and promote competition.
Another key goal of the Progressive Era was to address poverty and inequality. Many Progressives believed that these issues were the result of a lack of opportunity and that they could be addressed through reforms such as progressive taxation and the establishment of a minimum wage. They also supported the expansion of social welfare programs, such as the development of public education and the establishment of social insurance programs like Social Security.
In addition to these reforms, Progressives also sought to improve the lives of working people through the promotion of labor unions and the implementation of workplace safety regulations. They also worked to address issues related to urbanization, such as poor living conditions, overcrowding, and pollution.
Overall, the Progressive Era was a time of significant social, political, and economic change in the United States. It was characterized by a desire to address the negative impacts of industrialization, urbanization, and immigration on society, and to promote progress and reform through a variety of means. Despite the many challenges that were faced during this time, the Progressive movement ultimately succeeded in achieving many of its goals, laying the foundation for future progress and reform in the United States.
