Government reform drew increased numbers of women into public life. Before the Civil War, married middle-class women were generally expected to devote their time to the care of their homes and families. By the late 19th century, however, only middle-class and upper-class women could afford to do so. Poorer women usually had no choice but to work for wages outside the home. As better-paying opportunities became available in towns, and especially cities, women had new options for finding jobs. At the turn of the century, one out of five American women held jobs; 25 percent of them worked in manufacturing. They typically held the least skilled positions, however, and received only about half as much money as their male counterparts or less. Dangerous conditions, low wages, and long hours led many female industrial workers to push for reforms. Their ranks grew after 146 workers, mostly Jewish and Italian immigrant girls, died in a 1911 fire in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City.Middle- and upper-class women also entered the public sphere. By 1910, women’s clubs, at which these women discussed art or literature, were nearly half a million strong. These clubs sometimes grew into reform groups that addressed issues such as temperance or child labor. Many of the women who became active in public life in the late 19th century had attended the new women’s colleges. Many of these educated women began to apply their skills to needed social reforms. Many women also became involved through the Temperance Movement (anti-drinking movement).QUESTION 610 pointsHow did the Progressive Era increase women's involvement in activism and political life?

The Progressive Era increased women's involvement in activism and political life in several ways.

1. Economic Necessity: As the text mentions, by the late 19th century, only middle-class and upper-class women could afford to stay at home. Poorer women had to work for wages outside the home. This economic necessity pushed women into the public sphere and made them more aware of the social and political issues affecting their lives.

2. Industrialization: The growth of towns and cities provided better-paying job opportunities for women. However, these jobs often came with dangerous conditions, low wages, and long hours. This led many female industrial workers to push for reforms, increasing their involvement in activism and political life.

3. Education: The late 19th century saw the rise of women's colleges, which educated a new generation of women who could apply their skills to social reforms. This education not only equipped women with the knowledge and skills to participate in activism and political life, but also raised their awareness of the social issues that needed reform.

4. Women's Clubs and Reform Groups: By 1910, women's clubs were nearly half a million strong. These clubs, which initially focused on art or literature, often evolved into reform groups addressing issues like temperance or child labor. This provided a platform for women to become more involved in activism and political life.

5. Temperance Movement: Many women also became involved in activism and political life through the Temperance Movement, which campaigned against drinking alcohol. This movement provided another avenue for women to engage in public life and push for social change.

In summary, the Progressive Era increased women's involvement in activism and political life through economic necessity, industrialization, education, women's clubs and reform groups, and the Temperance Movement.