F) The Progressive Movement

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:02:14 +0000

# The Progressive Movement: Reforms That Transformed American Society Understanding the Progressive Movement
The Progressive Movement, spanning roughly from the 1890s to the 1920s, was a powerful wave of social, political, and economic reform in the United States. Born out of growing public discontent with corruption, inequality, and industrialization’s negative effects, Progressivism sought to restructure American society to promote fairness, accountability, and opportunity for all citizens. As America rapidly industrialized, urban populations swelled, and wealth disparities widened, citizens—activists, reformers, journalists, and politicians—launched a movement focused on modernizing government, empowering labor, advancing democracy, and curbing corporate power. ## Origins of the Progressive Era The Progressive Movement arose in response to the profound changes and challenges of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Gilded Age (late 1800s) saw explosive economic growth, but also rampant issues like monopolistic business practices, unsafe working conditions, political machine corruption, and wide social inequities. Muckraking journalists exposed these problems, fueling public outrage. At the same time, reform-minded individuals from diverse backgrounds—women, academics, religious groups, and middle-class professionals—began mobilizing to create systemic change.