To a very large extent, the Progressive Movement in the United States began with the rise of industrialization. As the cities developed, and more factories were created, more people moved to cities in order to look for a better life. This often led to unemployment, poverty, bad working conditions and other urban problems. The Progressive Movement began as a way to find a solution for these problems that plagued cities.
It started a revolution that showed the world that it was possible to overthrow an empire. It was the beginning of a push for democracy all over the world.