Final answer:
The Progressive movement primarily focused on societal improvements such as ending child labor, safer working conditions, and education reform, with a broader agenda inclusive of democracy and social justice. Education reform was particularly crucial as it targeted reducing illiteracy and enforcing mandatory school attendance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Progressive movement primarily focused on a variety of societal improvements. One of the main areas of focus was on ending child labor. Progressive reformers pushed for laws that limited or prohibited child labor, leading to a significant reduction in the number of children working in industrial settings by the early 1900s. This focus on child labor was part of a broader agenda to address the problems caused by industrialization and urbanization, including advocating for safer working conditions, business regulation, democracy, public health improvements, and social justice. The movement placed a strong emphasis on education reform, with efforts made to reduce illiteracy and make school attendance mandatory, thus riddling the United States of grim conditions and emphasizing the importance of at least a primary school education.
Women also played a unique role in the Progressive movement, advocating for women's rights and contributing significantly to the reforms. Progressive efforts led to new laws such as initiative and referendum, and the advent of 'municipal socialism,' trying to promote a more efficient and responsive government. Lastly, the push for stronger child labor laws showcased the political environment of the early 1900s and the evolving views on the role of government.