Final answer:
Poverty was addressed during the Progressive Era with the 16th amendment through the implementation of a progressive federal income tax to relieve the financial burdens on the working poor and reduce economic inequality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The issue of poverty and its consideration during the time of the 16th amendment was addressed through the implementation of a federal income tax.
This tax system was designed to be progressive, meaning it placed a higher rate of taxation on those with larger incomes, ultimately aimed at reducing the financial burden on the working poor, who were disproportionately affected by tariffs (a form of regressive taxation).
The adoption of the 16th amendment was one of several reforms during the Progressive Era that sought to address economic inequality and improve the living conditions for impoverished individuals.
The 16th amendment's introduction of a progressive income tax was a step toward creating a fairer economic system and was intended to alleviate some of the financial pressures on the working poor.
This was part of a broader movement of early 20th-century policy reforms that also addressed issues like representation (17th amendment) and social issues (18th amendment, related to prohibition).
Additionally, poverty was a critical issue in policy debates, social movements, and literature, from the sociological studies mentioned by Desmond to the mass movements pushing for civil and economic rights.