The Progressive movement in the early 20th century was a time of big changes aimed at making life better for everyone. Progressives believed in using government power to regulate businesses and protect consumers and workers. They wanted to make sure that companies played fair and that workers had safe conditions. Many reforms came about after journalists, known as muckrakers, investigated and exposed political corruption, child labor, slum conditions, and other social issues. They also worked to conserve natural resources, creating parks and protecting wilderness areas for future generations to enjoy.
In cities, Progressives focused on improving living conditions for the poor. They built more and better libraries, schools, hospitals, and parks to make urban life healthier and more enjoyable. Women Progressives played a significant role in advocating for laws to end child labor and ensure workplace safety through government inspections. This period also saw advancements in democracy, with initiatives like the initiative, referendum, and recall, giving voters more direct influence over laws and politicians.
However, alongside these positive changes, the era also saw worsening racial discrimination, particularly in the Southern United States. Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation, creating separate and unequal facilities for Black Americans. Despite the Supreme Court's ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld the legality of segregation, some individuals and groups, like the NAACP, fought tirelessly for civil rights and equality for Black Americans. They challenged discriminatory laws and practices, seeking to overturn segregation and achieve full social and economic equality.
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