Which reform movement sought to curb the excesses of industrial capitalism and expand democracy?

Which reform movement sought to curb the excesses of industrial capitalism and expand democracy?

• A. Progressive Era reform movement
• B. Populism
• C. New Freedom
• D. Social Gospel

Answer: (A)

The question tests understanding of how reformers in the Progressive Era aimed to tame the power of big business while giving more influence to ordinary citizens. The Progressive movement emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the excesses of industrial capitalism—monopolies, political corruption, and urban social problems. Reformers pushed for both economic regulation and expanded democracy: measures to curb corporate power through antitrust enforcement and new regulatory agencies, and political changes that gave voters more say in government, such as direct primaries, the initiative and referendum, the recall, and the later adoption of the direct election of senators (the 17th Amendment). While other movements touched related issues, the Progressive Era uniquely embodies both efforts—limit the abuses of industry and broaden democratic participation—making it the best fit for this question. Populism focused earlier on agrarian grievances and some reforms, New Freedom is the Wilsonian program centered on antitrust and economic reform but with less emphasis on expanding democracy in the same way, and the Social Gospel stressed moral and charitable reform rather than democratizing political power.

The question tests understanding of how reformers in the Progressive Era aimed to tame the power of big business while giving more influence to ordinary citizens. The Progressive movement emerged in the early 20th century as a response to the excesses of industrial capitalism—monopolies, political corruption, and urban social problems. Reformers pushed for both economic regulation and expanded democracy: measures to curb corporate power through antitrust enforcement and new regulatory agencies, and political changes that gave voters more say in government, such as direct primaries, the initiative and referendum, the recall, and the later adoption of the direct election of senators (the 17th Amendment). While other movements touched related issues, the Progressive Era uniquely embodies both efforts—limit the abuses of industry and broaden democratic participation—making it the best fit for this question. Populism focused earlier on agrarian grievances and some reforms, New Freedom is the Wilsonian program centered on antitrust and economic reform but with less emphasis on expanding democracy in the same way, and the Social Gospel stressed moral and charitable reform rather than democratizing political power.