Final answer:
The Progressive Era was a response to significant changes in the U.S. during the 1890s to 1920s, marked by a push for government intervention to reform social, economic, and political issues. It was characterized by the rise of political parties aiding in the debate of key issues and culminated in the 1960s with a youth-driven call for fundamental national change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Progressive Era was a response to the far-reaching political, economic, and social changes taking place within the young nation. This period, which roughly spanned from the 1890s to the 1920s, saw the U.S. population become increasingly diverse and cities grow rapidly due to industrialization. Although economic gains were substantial during this time, they were accompanied by significant social costs such as widespread unemployment, dangerous working conditions, and rampant political corruption. The discontentment with these conditions led many to believe that an increased role of government was necessary to effectively address the nation's burgeoning problems.
During the Progressive Era, the rise of the second party system, comprised of the Democrats and the Whigs, helped to channel public debate over these critical issues. The market revolution and the subsequent economic and political changes required adjustments in how Americans related to each other and their government. By the end of the 1960s, the desire for fundamental change had reached a zenith among the nation's youth, reflecting the broad consensus that reform was urgently needed.