The Declaration of Independence, signed in 1776, drew out new views relating to equality and liberty in an effort to achieve justice for their society and freedoms. In establishing equality among the citizens of the United States of America by extending the right to vote, its progressive message soon came to protect the national governments duty to defend its citizens by providing the appropriate resources and beneficial force required in order to create a safe life for each citizen. The Industrial Revolution continued through until the mid-1800s in which it was entangled in a decrease of manual labor such as the cottage industry and a fluctuation of more industry based work done in factories which increased productivity and led to economic growth in the United States. This time period saw the opening of the First Transcontinental Railroad which allowed for expansion into the west that displayed the progressive actions being taken that lead into the Gilded Age. The Gilded Age flowed from the aftermath of t
he American Civil War with more immigrants from Europe being drawn in by the multiple job opportunities America could provide. It promoted gradual growth with new industrial products being made everyday, a greater common standard of living, outrageous growth of cities, and imperialism but it also experienced severe economic concerns due to political figures being corrupt and useless to the greater good of citizens. To a more significant degree, the Progressive Era reformers and federal government were not successful in conducting reform at the national level in that it only generally benefited the average white male American while the minority was grasped into the Jim Crow era which perceived discrimination and segregation against African Americans. However, to a more minor degree, the Progressive Era reformers and the federal government were undeniably successful in prompting the increase of political potential that many American citizens received and mostly removed political corruption in the government.