The Progressive movement, which took place from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, was a time of significant social, economic, and political reform in the United States. Progressives sought to address a range of issues, including corruption, inequality, and social injustice, and they were largely successful in achieving many of their goals.
One of the main goals of the Progressive movement was to eliminate corruption in government and business. Progressives were successful in this effort, as they were able to pass a number of reforms that increased transparency and accountability in government and business. These included the Sherman Antitrust Act, which prohibited monopolies and cartels, and the Federal Trade Commission Act, which established the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to regulate business practices.
In addition to fighting corruption, Progressives also sought to address social and economic inequality. They were successful in passing a number of reforms that improved working conditions and protected the rights of workers. These included the creation of the U.S. Department of Labor, the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act, and the implementation of the eight-hour workday.
Progressives also made significant strides in improving the lives of women and minorities. They were instrumental in securing the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, and they also supported the civil rights movement, which eventually led to the end of segregation and discrimination against African Americans.
However, it is important to note that the Progressive movement was not completely successful in achieving all of its goals. While they made significant progress in improving conditions for workers and minorities, they were unable to fully eliminate inequality and discrimination. Additionally, some of the reforms they passed, such as the Sherman Antitrust Act, have been criticized for being too weak to effectively combat corruption and monopolies.
Overall, the Progressive movement was successful in achieving many of its goals, including eliminating corruption, improving working conditions, and advancing the rights of women and minorities. While they were not able to fully eliminate inequality and discrimination, their efforts laid the foundation for future reforms and progress in these areas.