How was The Progressive Era a turning point in history?

[Addie Simms]

Please in detail explain to me how the Progressive Era was a turning point in United States History... i'd like to hear other peoples thoughts instead of the Internet. Thank you

[Ohio1]

The Progressive Era brought significant reforms to American industrial capitalism and to the American political system through participation and activism by ordinary Americans. Progressives organized to improve working and living conditions for poor people, to address glaring social and environmental problems, and to expand opportunities for democratic involvement in the political system. Progressives challenged the power of ruling elites and pushed for the active use of government to regulate business and to protect workers and consumers. Progressives pushed to extend voting rights to women and to expand democracy through direct election of U.S. senators and through the creation of initiative and referendum petition processes in the states. Progressives applied scientific research to social problems, and they used the media to publicize social problems. They improved public health in cities, set aside lands for conservation, won improvements in working conditions and working hours in factories, provided education to immigrant children, won passage of health and safety laws, pushed through the prohibition amendment, and regulated and in some cases broke up monopolies. One of the biggest victories for progressives was the passage of the Susan B. Anthony Amendment, which extended the right to vote to women nationwide. Progressives were opposed by proponents of laissez-faire capitalism who argued that government had a very limited role or no role to play in regulating business and free markets.