<span>"In U.S. history, the term progressivism refers to a broadly-based, liberal reform movement that reached its height early in the 20th century. The initial progressive movement arose as an alternative to the conservative response to the vast changes brought by the industrial revolution. Contemporary progressives continue to embrace concepts such as environmentalism and social justice." </span> Source(s):<span>Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressivism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progressivism_in_the_United_Stat</span>