What was the primary goal of the Progressive Movement?

The primary goal of the Progressive Movement was to address social issues and government corruption. Emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this movement sought to tackle many of the societal problems brought about by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and immigration in the United States. Progressives aimed to improve living conditions, increase labor rights, promote women's suffrage, regulate monopolies and corporate power, and eliminate corrupt practices in government.

This focus on reform was characterized by a belief in the potential for government to improve society and the lives of citizens, leading to various initiatives such as the establishment of regulatory bodies, the push for direct election of senators, and efforts to implement social welfare programs. The movement laid the groundwork for significant social and political changes in the U.S., including the introduction of policies designed to promote fairness and equity in various aspects of American life. The emphasis on combating corruption and advocating for social justice clearly defined the goals of the Progressive Movement, distinguishing it from other movements that may have focused on military expansion, international trade, or purely territorial ambitions.