Which reforms did society champion during this era?

• A. Military expansion
• B. Women's suffrage, child labor reform, and abolitionism
• C. Tax increases for industry
• D. Censorship of speech

Answer: (B)

This item tests understanding of the major reform movements that defined the era—efforts to expand rights and protections for people across society. Abolitionism aimed to end slavery, a foundational social reform; women’s suffrage sought to extend political rights to women; and child labor reform pushed to protect young workers and improve working conditions. Together, these reflect the era’s pattern of broad social change driven by activism and changing ideas about rights and justice, rather than shifts in military policy, tax policy for industry, or censorship. The other options describe actions that are not reforms focused on expanding rights or protections, so they don’t fit the core theme of reform-driven social progress.