Final answer:
The Pullman Strike of 1894 was instrumental in leading to the Progressive Era and not the Populist Movement or the Gilded Age. The strike exposed the power imbalance between workers and corporations, contributing to the push for labor reform.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pullman Strike of 1894 was instrumental in leading to the Progressive Era. The strike, organized by the American Railway Union in response to wage cuts, garnered the attention of the public and government officials. It exposed the power imbalance between workers and corporations, leading to increased calls for labor reform and eventually contributing to the Progressive Movement.
The Populist Movement, on the other hand, was already well-established before the Pullman Strike and focused on agrarian issues and the plight of farmers. While the strike and the Populist Movement shared similar themes of advocating for the rights of workers, they were distinct movements with different objectives.
The Gilded Age, which refers to the period of rapid economic growth in the late 19th century, coincided with both the Pullman Strike and the Populist Movement. However, the Pullman Strike and its aftermath played a more direct role in shaping the Progressive Era, which emerged in response to the social and economic problems highlighted by labor conflicts like the strike.
Learn more about Impact of the Pullman Strike of 1894