What did the Progressives believe regarding the government's role in society?

The Progressives held the belief that government should actively control social evils, reflecting their aim to address the myriad social issues that emerged during the rapid industrialization and urbanization of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They recognized that many societal problems, such as poverty, corruption, and inequality, were exacerbated by a lack of government intervention and oversight.

Progressives advocated for reforms that would see the government take a more active role in regulating businesses, ensuring labor rights, and improving living conditions. They aimed to create a more equitable society by promoting policies that would protect the welfare of citizens, regulate monopolies, and provide better educational and health services. This proactive stance was rooted in the belief that government had not only the ability but also the responsibility to improve the lives of its citizens and create a fairer society.

Other perspectives, such as the idea that government should withdraw from social issues or merely provide financial assistance, fail to capture the Progressives' commitment to systemic change and the active role they envisioned for government as a mechanism for addressing social challenges. The notion of delegating authority to private charities also contrasts with the Progressive belief in government action as an essential means to achieve social reform and justice.