During the Progressive Era, what was often a consequence of unregulated industrial growth?

The consequence of unregulated industrial growth during the Progressive Era was indeed an increase in social inequalities. As industries expanded rapidly without adequate regulations, wealth became concentrated among a small number of industrialists and capitalists, while the working class often struggled to make ends meet. This disparity was stark as factory workers faced long hours, low wages, and poor working conditions, highlighting the growing divide between the wealthy elite and the impoverished labor force.

Moreover, unregulated growth often led to exploitation of vulnerable populations, including women and children, who were employed in unsafe environments for minimal pay. This deepened socio-economic divisions, as access to resources, education, and upward mobility became increasingly limited for the working poor. The Progressive Era aimed to address these issues through reforms, but the initial stages of industrialization had already set a pattern of inequality that became a central concern for reformers.