who were the progressives

The Progressives were reformers during the Progressive Era in the United States, roughly from the 1890s to the 1920s. They sought to address social, political, and economic problems caused by rapid industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political corruption. Their goals included regulating big business and monopolies, eliminating government corruption, improving labor conditions, and expanding democracy by promoting reforms such as women's suffrage and direct election of senators. They were often middle- class professionals, lawyers, teachers, and businesspeople aiming to use government as a tool to correct societal ills and improve living conditions through scientific and professional approaches. Prominent leaders included Theodore Roosevelt and Robert M. La Follette.