Mary Harriman founds The Junior League

The Progressive Era (1890s-1920s) was marked by rapid industrialization, a large influx of immigrants, and the growth of inner city tenements. There was also a lot of corruption in business and politics as well as poor working and living conditions for many working class people. The Progressive Era was also marked by reform in education, sanitation, public health, government, and the environment.

Women who participated in reform efforts were often times married middle-class white women who did not work outside of the home. This class of “New Women” turned to reform as an intellectual and creative outlet.

Learn more about the role of women in reform by visiting the online exhibit at the National Women’s History Museum, Reforming their World: Women in the Progressive Era.