Write a paragraph on what was the Progressive Era (America)? And how does it relate to the book The Jungle?

The Progressive Era, spanning from the 1890s to the 1920s, was a period of significant social, political, and economic reform in the United States, aimed at addressing the challenges posed by industrialization, urbanization, and corruption. Reformers sought to improve labor conditions, expand democratic participation, promote social justice, and regulate corporations. This era is closely related to Upton Sinclair's novel *The Jungle*, published in 1906, which exposed the horrific conditions and unsanitary practices in the meatpacking industry. Sinclair's work galvanized public opinion and led to increased demands for food safety regulations, ultimately contributing to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act. The Progressive Era's commitment to reform and social justice is intricately woven into the narrative of *The Jungle*, as it highlights the urgent need for change and the influence of literature in shaping public policy and awareness during that transformative time in American history.