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There were various issues that occurred during the progressive era. Some the issues were economic and social problems. Many of the people during this time suffered and died because of these issues. This society faced issues such as poverty, greed, racism and a lot of violence. It wasn’t a big deal during this time, but when it was all over people started to realize the horrible actions that had occurred. There were multiple issues that took place during the progressive era. Some of these issues were child labor, factory conditions, and political machines.
The first issue that occurred during the progressive era was child labor. Child labor was one of the most depressing issues during the progressive era. Children from various ages would work 8-hour shifts in unhealthy factories while earning barely any money. The put the children to work because they were smaller than your average adult and they could easily work in smaller spaces. They were easily controlled and they worked for less money than an adult would so of course the owners were very fond of this. What they failed to realize was that they were robbing this child from their childhood. Most children working in these factories were forced to grow up and act like an adult. They didn’t get to enjoy being young like most Americans did in this day of age. This is a very sad issue because nobody deserves to have their childhood taken from them. This didn’t end until the early 1900’s after the Great Depression. Laws were made to restrict to child labor and improve harsh working conditions. Though child labor was a serious issue during this time period so was factory conditions.
The second issue that occurred during the progressive era was factory conditions. During this time period, many business owners were demanding long hours for little to no pay. The conditions of these factories were horrid. They were very unsanitary and very dangerous. They also never produced good quality products because the factories filth was affecting it. Most of the workers that worked there would frequently lose their jobs because they got sick or hurt which was effecting their ability to work. One of the most infamous accidents during this time was the Triangle Shirtwaist. A fire had broken out in the factory which killed 145 workers. Most of the victims died because of the lack of safety precautions. This led to the development of many laws to protect workers. If they wanted to go on strike to argue for healthier conditions or more pay, they would be replaced by people called scabs. The American Federation of Labor was then established. This federation helped by making it financially possible for the workers of the factories to go on strike. The AFL was very effective, it helped solve various problems during this time period. Though the factory conditions played a crucial part in some of the issues of this time period so did political machines.
The final issue that took place during the progressive era was political machines. As the problems in the city were growing, the environment for politics changed. Politicians now had to run massive cities which came with massive problems. Political machines were invented to provide jobs and social services in exchange for votes. They bribed the people with all these resources so they could vote for them. Of course, at this time people were desperate and willing to do anything for a job or house. This is very much illegal but the people didn’t get caught because they were granted full protection from the police as long as they still voted. Around the early 1900’s, political machines were not as active as before. The government finally introduced what is now known as the civil service system.
There were various issues that took place during the progressive era. Some of these issues were child labor, factory conditions, and political machines. Child labor was one of the most depressing issues during the progressive era. Children from various ages would work 8-hour shifts in unhealthy factories while earning barely any money. The conditions of the factories were horrid. They were very unsanitary and very dangerous. They also never produced good quality products because the factories filth was affecting it. Political machines were invented to provide jobs and social services in exchange for votes. They bribed the people with all these resources so they could vote for them. We can’t take back all the lives that were lost during this time but what we can do is strive to be better for the future.

"Child Labor." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 03 Dec. 2013. <http://www.history.com/topics/child-labor>.
"U.S. Department of Labor -- History -- 5. Progressive Era Investigations." U.S. Department of Labor -- History -- 5. Progressive Era Investigations. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2013. <http://www.dol.gov/dol/aboutdol/history/mono-regsafepart05.htm>.

"Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 01 Dec. 2013. <http://www.history.com/topics/triangle-shirtwaist-fire>.