Identify two social or political problems described by the workers. Then, describe two Progressive reform efforts that addressed these types of problems.

Question

Progressive Era movements built upon concerns about industrial society and politics during the late 1800s. An excerpt from a declaration made by a group with progressive ideals, the Workingmen's Party of Illinois, is shown. Progressive Era movements built upon concerns about industrial society and politics during the late 1800s.

Answer 1

A bit of context should help.

The Progressive Era is about cleaning up the problems created during the Gilded Age. Industrialization led to the rise of urbanization and modern cities, but this also led to problems for the workers who built the cities and populated the factories. Corporate monopolies limited competition and workers' wages to get ahead while city, state, and federal governments were seen as corrupt. These different levels of government needed reform. For example, monopolists used their wealth and power to influence politicians to favor big business.

Look into how Congress tried to level the playing field when it came to creating a workforce based more on merit than patronage. The work done by Jane Addams and Florence Kelley would be a good place to start when discussing how urban reformers tried to improve the lives of poor workers and children.