What was the focus of the Progressive Movement?

The Progressive Movement primarily focused on social reform and addressing the various issues that arose from rapid industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this era, many communities faced challenges such as poor working conditions, child labor, public health crises, and political corruption. Progressives sought to improve society through various reforms, including labor laws, women's suffrage, and the establishment of regulatory bodies to oversee corporations and ensure fair practices. Their efforts aimed to create a more equitable society and promote the welfare of individuals affected by the negative impacts of industrialization. The emphasis was on advocating for changes that would lead to greater social justice and improved living conditions for the working class and marginalized groups.

The other options, while they may have their own importance, do not capture the essence of the Progressive Movement as effectively as the focus on social reform does. Economic growth, for example, was often a byproduct of the reforms rather than the movement's primary goal. National security and political party dominance were not central to the Progressive agenda, which was more about addressing social and economic inequalities.