Final answer:
The depression of 1893 was responsible for the rise in popularity of the Progressive Movement as people sought alternatives to the laissez-faire economic policies that failed to address the economic crisis. Option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The depression of 1893 was directly responsible for the growing popularity of the Progressive Movement. During this period, the U.S. government mostly adhered to a laissez-faire approach to the economy, leading to cycles of booms and busts. However, as the severity of the Depression increased, the shortcomings of this approach became evident, prompting the public to seek alternatives. The Populist Party, which represented the interests of farmers and workers and advocated for reforms including the silver standard, gained prominence as people sought change from the traditional parties. Despite the eventual decline of the Populist movement with the election of 1896 and the recovery from the depression, the sentiment for reform carried over into the Progressive Era.