The Effects of Progressivism in Government The period of time between the Spanish-American War and World War I is known as the Progressive Era. It was a period marked by idealism, reform, and significant economic growth. Progressivism was a movement designed to correct the abuses which reformers felt had crept into American society and government, as a result of industrialization and urbanization. Progressivism was the outcome of a number of forces in American life. The reform spirit of the 1880's and 1890's was still strong, despite the collapse of the Populist Party after the election of 1896. After the hard times of the 1890's, many Americans