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Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Causes
The U.S. population surged at the end of the 19th century, nearly doubling between 1870 and 1900.
Immigration to the United States increased at rapid rates at the end of the 19th century, as did the movement of people to urban centers.
The urbanization of the time included a shift from small-scale manufacturing and business to large-scale factory production.
The growth of cities and industries introduced new problems, such as worsening economic inequality, dangerous working conditions, and poor, overcrowded living conditions.
A tiny elite held an extreme concentration of wealth and had enormous economic and political power, while most lacked opportunities to thrive.
At the time, the United States had a more decentralized form of government that was not equipped to address new economic and social problems on a national scale.
Effects
The Progressive Era started a reform tradition that has since been present in American society.
Monopolies were broken up due to violation of federal law.
Many labor unions, trade groups, and professional, civic, and religious associations were founded. They improved the lives of individuals and communities.
Regulations that progressive groups helped to enact still shape government and commerce today, including food safety requirements, child labor laws, and the normalization of the eight-hour workday.
The Nineteenth Amendment, which gave the vote to women citizens, was passed in 1920.
The Progressive Era | Key Facts
The Progressive Era | Timeline
