The Progressive Era

The Progressive Era was an era in which the role of the United States government was redefined in order to accommodate an increasingly urbanized and ethnically diverse population. The arrival of the New Immigrants brought a massive population that Progressive reformers, such as Jane Addams of the Hull House, sought to assimilate into American society. Progressive presidents expanded the role of government - especially when it came to regulating business and protecting consumers. The FDA was created during Teddy Roosevelt's administration, which also saw the passage of the Meat Inspection Act in response to Upton Sinclair's muckraking novel, The Jungle. Working with President Woodrow Wilson, Congress passed stronger antitrust legislation and attempted to bring an end to child labor.