This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the Progressive Era and focuses on the working conditions and reform efforts of working-class, industrial populations in the United States. In addressing the compelling question “Does change guarantee progress?” students will analyze how the experiences of workers in the 20th century impacted the need for labor laws and inspired the need for change. The fight for labor reforms based on working conditions is an important part of Progressive Era reform movements. Worker rights remain an important issue for Americans today. Workers fought for changes to laws and policies and in many cases were successful.
