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The Progressive Era in American politics and culture, like the Gilded Age that preceded it, was a period of social change and economic growth in the United States. The Progressive Era is generally tied to the two terms of President Theodore Roosevelt (starting with his assuming office upon the assassination of William McKinley in 1901), the single term of William Howard Taft, and the first term of Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1917. Progressive policies continued during Wilson's second term, but they were quickly overshadowed by World War I and the return of conservative and decidedly “non-Progressive” policies that followed the war. Nevertheless, the first years of 20th century were dominated by progressivism, a forward-looking political movement that attempted to redress some of the ills that had arisen during the Gilded Age. Progressives passed legislation to rein in big business, combat corruption, free the government from special interests, and protect the rights of consumers, workers, immigrants, and the poor.
By the 20th century, the rise of big business and the large migration of Americans from the countryside to the cities caused a shift in political awareness, as elected officials saw the need to address the growing economic and social problems that developed along with the urban boom. So started the Progressive movement. Progressives believed that the government needed to take a strong, proactive role in the economy, regulating big business, immigration, and urban growth. These middle-class reformers hoped ultimately to regain control of the government from special interests like the railroads and trusts and pass effective legislation to protect consumers, organized labor, and minorities.
