As critics of economic inequality and social injustice, the progressives received much of their inspiration from

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The Greenback Labor and Populist party traditions, both of which were focused on promoting economic equality and social justice, heavily influenced the progressive movement. These parties called for measures such as the free coinage of silver, an eight-hour workday, government ownership of railroads and utilities, and other reforms that would benefit the working class. The progressives also drew inspiration from figures like Robert La Follette and William Jennings Bryan, who championed these causes. While some progressives may have been sympathetic to Marxist ideas, they generally rejected radical socialism and instead sought to promote their goals through political and social reforms within the existing system. They also rejected the social Darwinist idea that inequality was a natural and desirable outcome of competition, instead calling for greater government intervention to level the playing field.

As Critics of Economic Inequality and Social Injustice, the Progressives