What caused the progressive movement, and how did it get under way?

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The Progressive Movement was primarily caused by several social, political, and economic factors in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States. Some of these factors include:

1. Industrialization: The rapid growth of industrialization led to increased urbanization, factory labor, and income inequality. Working conditions were often poor, and many workers faced long hours, low wages, and dangerous environments. These conditions created a sense of social unrest and a demand for change.

2. Political corruption: There was widespread corruption in politics at both the local and national levels. Political machines, such as Tammany Hall in New York, controlled local governments and engaged in bribery, patronage, and fraudulent election practices. This led to a loss of faith in the political system and a desire for political reform.

3. Social injustices: The Progressive Movement also aimed to address various social injustices prevalent during the time. Issues such as women's suffrage, racial discrimination, child labor, and poor living conditions in cities became focal points for reformers.

The Progressive Movement got underway through a combination of grassroots activism, advocacy from intellectuals and writers, and political leadership. Here are some key elements:

1. Muckraking journalism: Journalists known as "muckrakers" exposed corruption, abuses, and social injustices through their investigative reporting. Works such as Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" (1906) exposed issues in the meatpacking industry, leading to public outcry and demands for reform.

2. Social and political organizations: Various organizations, such as the National Consumers League, formed to address specific issues like workers' rights, consumer protection, and women's suffrage. These organizations organized protests, lobbied for reform, and increased public awareness of societal problems.

3. Political reforms: Progressive leaders, such as Theodore Roosevelt and Robert M. La Follette, implemented political reforms at both the state and national levels. They advocated for direct democracy, primaries, regulations on corporate power, and stricter antitrust laws. The 17th Amendment (1913), which allowed for direct election of senators, was also a significant achievement of the Progressive Movement.

Overall, the Progressive Movement was a response to the social, political, and economic challenges of the time. It aimed to address issues of inequality, corruption, and social injustice through various means, including journalism, grassroots activism, and political reforms.