Final answer:
Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries tried to address social problems through government legislation, middle-class reformers' efforts for morality and women's rights, and the working class forming unions and engaging in politics. Some reformers supported socialism or violent overthrow of the ruling elites.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Americans attempted to solve social problems through various means. Governments passed laws to address issues such as child labor, worker safety, and pollution. Middle-class reformers advocated for morality and women's rights, while the working class formed unions and turned to politics for protection. Some reformers believed in socialism or the violent overthrow of the ruling elites to address social ills.