What was the primary focus of the Progressive Era in the United States?

The Progressive Era, which lasted from the 1890s to the 1920s, was primarily characterized by a widespread desire for reform in various aspects of American society. This period was marked by significant social, political, and economic changes aimed at addressing the problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption in government.

A central focus was on labor rights, where activists fought for better working conditions, lower working hours, and the right to unionize. Another significant aspect was the women's suffrage movement, which sought to secure voting rights for women, culminating in the 19th Amendment in 1920. Additionally, the era saw a push for political reforms to curtail corruption, including initiatives, referendums, and the direct election of senators, which aimed to make government more accountable to the people.

In this context, the other options do not capture the essence of the Progressive Era. Economic stability is a result of the reforms rather than the primary focus. The establishment of treaties and alliances is more associated with foreign policy and less with the domestic reforms central to the Progressive movement. Lastly, while there were discussions about military power, military expansion did not align with the core reformist ethos that defined the Progressive Era. Therefore,