Which groups primarily drove the Progressive Era reforms?

The Progressive Era, which spanned from the 1890s to the 1920s, was largely driven by middle-class individuals, particularly women residing in urban settings. These women became increasingly involved in social reform movements and sought to address a variety of societal issues such as labor rights, education, health care, and suffrage. Their unique position allowed them to advocate for change, as they often had the means and education to organize, and their domestic roles motivated them to seek improvements in the social fabric of cities.

This group's activism was crucial in pushing for reforms like child labor laws, women's suffrage, and improved public health standards. Middle-class women organized clubs and participated in movements such as the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the suffragette movement, thus influencing policy at local, state, and national levels. The emphasis on social morality and community welfare during the Progressive Era can largely be attributed to these women's efforts, positioning them as a central force behind the reforms of the time.

While other groups, like lower-class workers and farmers, also played a role in the Progressive movement, their narratives were often overshadowed by the more organized and focused efforts of middle-class urban women. Wealthy industrialists and politicians had a stake in the status quo