Final answer:
The Progressive movement of the early 20th century aimed to increase democracy, government and industrial efficiency, and social justice. It was a diverse and grassroots movement that rallied for reforms through public support and media exposure, addressing issues from labor laws to suffrage without resorting to extreme socialism or capitalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
Overview of the Progressive Movement
For the most part, the Progressive movement of the early 20th century sought to advance the spread of democracy, improve efficiency in government and industry, and promote social justice. This diverse reform movement included a wide array of people, such as African Americans, women, rural and urban dwellers, all pushing for changes ranging from the establishment of anti-liquor laws to advocating for fair pay.
Grassroots efforts played a significant role in the Progressive Era, bringing reform to the national agenda through state and local actions. Although the movement was made up of various groups with different goals, the overarching themes were the pursuit of a more perfect democracy and the battle against social inequalities plaguing the United States at the time.
The Progressives' campaigns also included seeking safer working conditions, fighting for women's suffrage, improving the voting process, and supporting African American civil rights. Their strategies for achieving these goals included leveraging the media through muckraking journalists to expose social inequities and rallying public support to pressure politicians for change. While there were fears of radical groups such as the Socialist Party, mainstream Progressives were largely middle-class citizens who believed proper government regulations could enhance efficiency and fairness in society, without resorting to Socialism or complete laissez-faire capitalism.