The progressive era was around roughly the 1890s through 1920s. It was both a political and a social movement. It is debated which aspect was more central. It all depends on how you look at it.

The Progressive Era was political in that it aimed to reform government. People set out to put limits on the power of corporations and political machines, and to stop corruption.  Amendments were added to the constitution, which increased voter participation, for one, with the direct election of senators, and more notably, allowing women to vote. Theodore Roosevelt led in “trust-busting” and the Federal Trade Commission was created to create regulations over businesses. Muckrakers  put pressure on politicians to respond to the public.

However, the Progressive Era was also a time of social reform. Reformers were driven by moral and humanitarian concerns, especially where it concerned industrialization. Big changes included: child labor laws and workplace safety standards, including shorter work days. Housing and living conditions were improved through better sanitation especially. Part of those efforts were aimed at helping immigrants crammed into poor housing. That population was also impacted by compulsory education laws and the expanding of social services. And famously, the temperance movement took hold and eventually led to Prohibition.