Final answer:
The Progressive Era was a period of social and political reform marked by movements addressing issues like corruption, industrial conditions, and civil rights, spurred on by muckrakers and resulting in significant societal change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Progressive Era in American History
The Progressive Era was an influential period of social and political reform in the United States, spanning from the 1890s to the early 1920s. This era was characterized by a multitude of causes and movements aimed at addressing various significant issues of the time, including rapid urbanization, immigration, political corruption, industrial working conditions, women's rights, and anti-Black violence and racism, particularly in the South. Progressive activists and reformers, often coming from middle-class backgrounds, pushed for changes to create what they viewed as a better and more just society.
Muckrakers, investigative journalists of the day, played a crucial role by uncovering social inequalities and spurring the public to demand change. The Progressive reforms began as grassroots efforts and later gained traction at the state and national levels. Efforts included the establishment of settlement houses, movements for temperance, women's suffrage, and the push for civil rights for African Americans. The core belief of the Progressives was that government intervention and regulation could promote efficiency and social justice, countering both the hands-off approach of the Gilded Age and radical calls for complete social revolution.
The era witnessed profound changes and contestations, as radical progressives believed that more extreme measures were necessary for comprehensive societal reform, while moderate Progressives sought to find a middle ground. Additionally, the drive for democracy and social justice expanded with movements attacking long-standing issues like the disenfranchisement of women and the civil rights of African Americans. Despite resistance, these reform efforts eventually resulted in significant changes in American society and governance.