Final answer:
Progressives believed in improving society through governmental reforms, efficiency, and social justice, and they were greatly influenced by muckrakers, who exposed social inequalities through journalism. These activists targeted issues like labor laws, health regulations, and political corruption.
Step-by-step explanation:
Progressives in the early 20th century believed that society could be improved through government regulation, scientific progress, and social reform. They advocated for democracy and efficiency, steering clear of party politics and often dismissing the voices of the communities they aimed to help, despite their intentions to promote social justice and reform.
Muckrakers were journalists who exposed social inequities and ignited the Progressive movement by highlighting various issues like child labor, big business corruption, and poor living and working conditions. Their work led to public outcry and spurred legislative actions that aimed to address these societal problems. The rise of progressivism saw grassroots activism evolve into a broader movement that significantly influenced federal policy and American political thought.
Believing that efficiency and social justice could be achieved through certain government interventions, Progressives' trust in professionalism and expertise shaped their approach to tackling the complex challenges of the Gilded Age, like urban sprawl and corporate power. This reformist wave targeted areas such as labor laws, health regulations, political corruption, and suffrage, thanks to the groundwork laid by the muckrakers.