The Progressive Era was a period of widespread activism and political reform across the United States that spanned the 1890s to the 1920s. The main objectives of the Progressive movement were addressing problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, immigration, and political corruption.

The Progressive Era was defined by 4 essential goals:

1. Protecting Social Welfare

2. Economic Reform

3. Economic Efficiency

4. Promoting moral improvement

Pratt Institute was the embodiment of these four goals of the Progressive Era.