What social reforms occurred in America during the Progressive Era?

During the Progressive Era, America saw social reforms in areas like women's suffrage, labour rights, and prohibition.

The Progressive Era, spanning from the 1890s to the 1920s, was a period of widespread social activism and political reform in the United States. One of the most significant social reforms during this era was the fight for women's suffrage. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote, marking a significant milestone in the women's rights movement. This was the result of decades of activism by suffragettes, who organised protests, marches, and lobbying efforts to secure this fundamental right.

Another key area of social reform during the Progressive Era was labour rights. The early 20th century was marked by poor working conditions, child labour, and low wages. In response, labour unions grew in strength and number, advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and the abolition of child labour. The efforts of these unions led to significant legislative changes, including the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, which established minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labour standards.

Prohibition, the banning of the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, was another significant social reform of the Progressive Era. The 18th Amendment, ratified in 1919, marked the start of the Prohibition Era. This was largely driven by the temperance movement, which argued that alcohol was the root cause of many societal issues, including domestic violence and poverty. However, prohibition led to a rise in organised crime and was eventually repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933.

Education reform was also a focus during the Progressive Era. Reformers sought to improve public education and make it accessible to all children, regardless of their socio-economic status. This led to the introduction of compulsory education laws and the expansion of public education systems.

In conclusion, the Progressive Era was a time of significant social reform in America, with changes in women's rights, labour rights, prohibition, and education that have had lasting impacts on American society.