What is the Progressive Era?

The Progressive Era, occurring roughly from the 1890s to the 1920s in the United States, was a period marked by social activism and political reform aimed at addressing the challenges posed by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption. Reformers sought to improve working conditions, expand suffrage, regulate monopolies, and promote social justice, leading to significant legislative changes like the establishment of labor laws and women's voting rights. This era also fostered the rise of various movements, including temperance and civil rights, ultimately shaping modern American society.