Progressivism was the reform movement that ran from the late 19th century through the first decades of the 20th century, during which leading intellectuals and social reformers in the United States sought to address the economic, political, and cultural questions that had arisen in the context of the rapid changes brought with the Industrial Revolution and the growth of modern capitalism in America. The Progressives believed that these changes marked the end of the old order and required the creation of a new order appropriate for the new industrial age.
The policies of Social Darwinism and those of Progressivism have several similarities and differences. And although now they appear to be extremely distinct, they had more of an overlap in the past.
Social darwinism was the idea that humans are subject to the same rules of natural selection than animals and plants. This view stated that some races and social groups are less "fit" than others by nature. This was used to justify controversial practices such as imperialism and racism.
On the other hand, Progressivism is the idea that society needs to improve, in particular when it comes to helping those who are less fortunate. Progressives wanted better labor laws, a safety net, healthcare, etc.
These two views differ from each other mainly in the view they take of the "lower classes" of society. While Social Darwinism believed that these people were at the bottom of society because of a natural law, Progressivism argued that this was in fact a consequence of social injustices.
