The Progressive Era was a period in the United States from the 1890s to the 1920s characterized by social activism and political reform. It aimed to address issues caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption in government. Reformers sought to improve working conditions, promote women's suffrage, and regulate monopolies, leading to significant changes in laws and policies. Key figures of the Progressive Era included activists like Jane Addams and politicians such as Theodore Roosevelt. The era saw the establishment of various reforms, including the Pure Food and Drug Act and the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote, marking a significant shift in American society.