Activists are always working hard to change America for the better and to help Americans who need someone to advocate for them. Activists have been a part of this nation's social and political landscape since its earliest days, but the Progressive Era is known as the period when social activism and political reformation movements truly took off and led to real change for many Americans. Readers get a comprehensive look at this period of sweeping change through fact-filled main text, fascinating sidebars, and relevant primary sources.