b) Industrialization and Urbanization

The Progressive Movement in the United States was sparked by the profound societal changes brought about by industrialization and urbanization. This era, spanning from the 1890s to the 1920s, saw rapid growth in industries and cities, leading to significant social and economic challenges. Issues like poor working conditions, inequality, urban crowding, and political corruption called for urgent reforms. Activists and reformers, driven by a belief in progress and efficiency, sought to address these challenges through government intervention and social reforms. They aimed to create a more equitable society with efficient governance and ethical business practices, leading to the establishment of regulatory bodies, labor laws, and social welfare programs. This movement laid the foundation for modern American social and political policy, profoundly shaping the nation’s trajectory in the 20th century.