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what was the Progressive Movement

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The Progressive Movement was a social and political movement in the United States that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, roughly from the 1890s to the 1920s. It aimed to address the problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political corruption. The movement sought to promote reforms in various areas, including:

1. **Labor Rights**: Advocating for better working conditions, child labor laws, and the establishment of an eight-hour workday.

2. **Women's Suffrage**: Fighting for women's right to vote, which culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920.

3. **Antitrust Laws**: Pushing for regulations to break up monopolies and promote fair competition in the marketplace.

4. **Social Justice**: Addressing issues of poverty, education, and racial discrimination, with many reformers advocating for the rights of marginalized groups.

5. **Government Reform**: Seeking to reduce corruption in politics through measures like the direct election of senators (17th Amendment), initiative and referendum processes, and the establishment of a more efficient and responsive government.

6. **Public Health and Safety**: Promoting initiatives to improve public health, sanitation, and safety standards, particularly in urban areas.

Key figures associated with the Progressive Movement include Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, as well as prominent activists like Jane Addams and W.E.B. Du Bois. The movement was diverse, with different factions advocating for various causes, but it collectively aimed to improve society and promote greater equality and justice in American life. The legacy of the Progressive Movement can still be seen in contemporary social and political reforms.

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