What was the primary focus of the Progressive Era?

Study for the US History Regents Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for success!

The primary focus of the Progressive Era centered on addressing social issues that arose as a result of rapid industrialization and urbanization during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Progressives sought to rectify the negative impacts of industrial capitalism, which included widespread poverty, poor working conditions, child labor, and lack of access to education and healthcare. Reformers aimed to improve living conditions in urban areas, champion labor rights, and fight for social justice.

They advocated for various reforms such as women's suffrage, labor laws, antitrust regulations, and improvements in public health and sanitation. The Progressive movement was marked by efforts to use government action to bring about social change and enhance democracy, responding to the challenges posed by a rapidly changing society.

Other choices, while significant in their own right, do not encapsulate the essence of the Progressive Era. The emphasis on foreign relations or imperialism doesn’t align with the domestic reforms that defined this period. Furthermore, the establishment of the Bill of Rights predates the Progressive Era and addresses foundational rights rather than the social issues that were central to this movement.

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