The Progressive Era in the United States, spanning from 1896 to 1917, was a period of widespread social activism and political reform aimed at combating issues like corruption, monopolies, and inefficiency. Emerging in response to rapid industrialization, urbanization, and immigration, the movement was primarily driven by middle-class social reformers who sought to improve working and living conditions, regulate businesses, and protect the environment. Notable tactics included "muckraking" journalism that exposed societal ills and advocated for change, as well as trustbusting and the creation of regulatory agencies like the FDA. The movement also brought significant changes to the banking system, most notably with the establishment of the Federal Reserve System in 1913.^[75]

Democratization was a cornerstone of the Progressive Era, with reforms such as the direct primary elections, the direct election of senators, and women’s suffrage. The idea was to make the American political system more democratic and less susceptible to corruption. Many progressives also championed the prohibition of alcohol, viewing it as a means to bring a "purer" vote into the democratic process.^[76] Social and political leaders like Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Jane Addams were key figures in driving these reforms.

Despite focusing initially at the local level, the Progressive movement eventually gained traction at both state and national levels, appealing broadly to middle-class professionals including lawyers, teachers, and ministers. While the main themes of the movement subsided with American involvement in World War I, elements focusing on waste and efficiency continued into the 1920s. The era had a lasting impact by fundamentally transforming various aspects of American society, governance, and economics, although it did not completely eradicate the problems it sought to address.