We shift into the early 20th century, when reformers sought to address the social, economic, and political problems created by rapid industrialization and urban growth. This episode explores how Progressives pushed for a more active government to regulate big business, improve working conditions, protect consumers, and expand democracy through reforms like antitrust laws, labor protections, and constitutional amendments. We'll examine the roles of journalists, activists, and presidents who believed government could be a force for the public good. Coming just past the course's midpoint, this lesson shows how Progressivism fundamentally changed Americans' expectations of government and laid the foundation for modern federal power.