Protecting Social Welfare
One of the main goals of the progressive era was to protect social welfare. Reformers wanted to soften the harsh conditions of industrialization. Movements like the Social Gospel and Settlement Housing inspired reform activities. The YMCA and Salvation army worked with people to instruct values of hard work and temperance. Women were also involved in protecting social welfare. One in particular, Florence Kelley was inspired by settlement houses to take action. She worked to improve the lives of women and children. She helped to pass the Illinois Factory Act of 1893 which prohibited child labor and limited women’s working hours.