What was one major achievement of the Progressive Era in the United States?

The Progressive Era, which lasted from the 1890s to the 1920s, focused on addressing the social, political, and economic challenges that arose during the rapid industrialization and urbanization of the United States. One of the defining achievements of this period was the enactment of labor laws aimed at improving working conditions for laborers.

During this time, reformers advocated for better wages, shorter workdays, and safer working environments. The harsh realities of industrial labor were brought to light, prompting reforms such as child labor laws, the establishment of workplace safety regulations, and the introduction of workers' compensation systems. These changes marked a significant shift in the government's role in regulating the labor market and protecting workers' rights, culminating in legislative measures that sought to ensure fairness and safety for all workers.

This focus on labor reform illustrates a key characteristic of the Progressive movement, which aimed to address injustices and promote social welfare through active government intervention, thus making the enactment of labor laws a major achievement of this transformative era.