The
Progressive Era was a period of widespread social activism and political reform across the United States, from the 1890s to 1920s . The main objective of the
Progressive movement was eliminating corruption in government. The movement primarily targeted
political machines and their bosses. By taking down these corrupt representatives in office a further means of
direct democracy would be established. They also sought regulation of monopolies (Trust Busting) and corporations through
antitrust laws. These antitrust laws were seen as a way to promote equal competition for the advantage of legitimate competitors.