What does Progressive reform primarily aim to address?

Progressive reform primarily aims to address corporate power and corruption, as it emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in response to the societal issues stemming from rapid industrialization and urbanization. This movement sought to tackle the imbalance of power that large corporations held over political processes, which often led to corrupt practices, monopolies, and exploitation of workers and consumers. Progressives advocated for measures such as antitrust laws, regulation of industries, and political reforms to promote transparency, accountability, and fairness in both governance and business practices. The focus was on ensuring that the interests of the public were prioritized over those of powerful corporate entities.

While economic expansion, militarization of society, and globalization effects are indeed significant topics in American history, they do not encapsulate the central concerns of the Progressive movement, which was distinctly aimed at curbing the influence and control of corporations and reducing corruption within the government that arose from this undue power.