What was the main focus of the Progressive Era reforms?

The main focus of the Progressive Era reforms was to address social issues and increase government intervention in order to improve society. This period, spanning from the late 1890s to the early 1920s, was characterized by a significant push for reforms aimed at correcting the ills that arose from industrialization and urbanization. Progressives sought to tackle issues like poverty, labor exploitation, women's suffrage, and political corruption. They believed that government should play a more active role in regulating the economy and ensuring social justice.

For example, reforms included the establishment of labor laws to protect workers, the regulation of monopolies through antitrust legislation, and the implementation of social welfare programs. The era also saw the expansion of suffrage for women and attempts to address issues like child labor and public health. This broad range of reforms was rooted in the belief that societal problems could not be solved solely by individual effort or laissez-faire economics, necessitating increased government involvement to ensure a more equitable society.