Basic Philosophical Rationale Behind Progressivism

Can you defend the basic philosophical rationale behind Progressivism?

The progressive movement of turn of the century America wanted to address economic, political, and cultural inequalities that had grown during the process of American industrialization. Progressives believed that the government should be on the forefront of addressing issues, such as the uneven balance of wealth between big business and ordinary workers; protecting the social welfare, human life, and well-being of the citizenry; the use of scientific data to make society and industry more efficient and promoting the morality of all Americans. At its heart, the rationale for the goals of the Progressive movement can be found in the ideals of the American tradition