The social reformers of the child-saving movement were referred to as which term?

• A. Liberals
• B. Conservatives
• C. Radicals
• D. Progressives

Answer: (D)

Progressives. These reformers were part of the broader Progressive Era, focused on improving society through active government action, expertise, and systematic reform. Their work in the child-saving movement—creating juvenile courts, reform schools, and welfare measures—embodied the belief that social problems could be addressed through organized, institutional change rather than through charity alone. The other labels don’t fit as well: liberals emphasize rights and freedoms but aren’t defined by organized state-led reform; conservatives favor preserving tradition and gradualism; radicals seek more radical upheaval. The term that best fits their outlook and methods is Progressives.