Which of the following were major goals and tools of the Progressive Era?

• A. Break up monopolies; improve working conditions; suffrage (19th Amendment); government reforms; conservation; regulation of industry.
• B. Only military expansion; no reforms.
• C. Focus on foreign policy; isolate; tariffs; immunizations.
• D. Social assistance only; disregard to regulation.

Answer: (A)

The Progressive Era aimed to use government action to fix problems created by industrialization, addressing the power of big corporations, unsafe working conditions, the need for democratic participation, and the use of resources. The goals listed—break up monopolies, improve working conditions, win suffrage, implement government reforms, conserve natural resources, and regulate industry—capture the broad reform agenda of that time. Reformers attacked trusts to curb corporate power, passed laws to improve labor safety and conditions, fought for women's right to vote, pushed political reforms to reduce corruption and increase citizen influence, protected forests and waterways, and created regulatory bodies to oversee industry and protect public health. The other options focus on militarism, isolation, or limited social welfare without regulatory reforms, which do not reflect the comprehensive aims of the era.