The belief that united the progressive movement was the need for reform and social justice, with a focus on improving the lives of American citizens through government intervention and regulation. Progressives believed that government had a responsibility to protect citizens from the negative effects of industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption, and that it should work to promote greater equality, fairness, and opportunity for all. They advocated for improvements in public health, education, labor rights, women's suffrage, civil rights, and environmental protection, among other issues.
