Final answer:
In the Progressive Era, reformers sought to solve industrial America's problems through social reform and governmental intervention in areas such as work conditions, consumer safety, and regulation of trusts. Using legislation and federal measures like the Federal Reserve, they aimed to ensure economic fairness and prevent the rise of class conflict and radical movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Progressive Era, reformers sought to address the problems that arose in industrial America such as poor living conditions, work safety, political corruption, and income inequality. The movement encompassed a variety of social reform efforts initiated by muckrakers, middle-class women and men, and labor activists aimed at promoting economic fairness and governmental intervention to regulate industry.
Key reforms during this era included the creation of laws like the Sherman and Clayton Acts to regulate trusts and monopolies; the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act for consumer safety; legislation against child labor; and the establishment of the National Park Service for land conservation. Progressives believed such measures would counteract the negative impacts of the Second Industrial Revolution, prevent class conflict, and curb the rise of radical doctrines.
The movement was a combination of grassroots initiatives at the local and state levels, and federal government interventions. Notable outcomes were improvements in democratic processes, voting rights, prohibition efforts, women's rights, and the establishment of a more regulated economic system with the formation of the Federal Reserve to stabilize the banking system.