Final answer:
During the Progressive Era, the social welfare system in the United States expanded significantly as Progressives advocated for increased government intervention in economic regulation and social welfare, leading to a wave of reforms and legislation that enhanced consumer protection, labor laws, and land conservation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Social Welfare System During the Progressive Era
During the Progressive Era, which lasted from the 1890s to the 1920s, the social welfare system in the United States expanded and became more comprehensive. Progressives believed that the government should take a larger role in addressing the nation's problems. This was in stark contrast to the previous laissez-faire attitudes that minimized government intervention. As a result, the Progressive movement led to significant reforms and legislation that ultimately increased government involvement in economic regulation and societal welfare.
Legislation such as the Sherman and Clayton Acts regulated trusts and monopolies, and laws including the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act were enacted to ensure consumer safety. The creation of a new Labor Department aimed to address labor abuses, particularly concerning women and children. Efforts also included land conservation through the National Reclamation Act and the establishment of the National Park Service. Moreover, the government's role in social welfare was solidified by the creation of the Federal Reserve to stabilize the banking system.
The Progressive movement paved the way for future government involvement in social welfare, setting the stage for later policies such as the New Deal during the Great Depression. By the time President Roosevelt implemented these policies, the government's role in regulating the economy and providing a safety net for its citizens had become a key function of the federal government, ensuring some level of equity and acting as an economic stimulus during hard times.