What social issue did the Progressive Era focus on?

The Progressive Era, which lasted from the 1890s to the 1920s, was characterized by a strong focus on addressing various social issues, one of the most prominent being the increase in the wealth gap following the Industrial Revolution. During this period, the rapid growth of industry and urbanization led to significant economic disparities between the affluent elite and the working poor. Progressives sought to reform the economic structures and institutions that contributed to this inequality. They advocated for measures such as labor reforms, antitrust laws, and social welfare programs to improve the living and working conditions for the lower and middle classes.

The emphasis on wealth inequality was particularly important as it highlighted the need for government intervention to ensure fair wages, safer working conditions, and greater access to education. Activists and reformers aimed to create a more equitable society that provided opportunities for all individuals, rather than allowing a small fraction of the population to amass disproportionate wealth and power.

In contrast, other options like the rise of automation, expansion of global trade agreements, and the establishment of the gold standard, although relevant to the broader economic landscape of the time, were not primary social issues that defined the Progressive movement. The core focus remained on addressing the social injustices and economic disparities that