The progressive reforms needed to reform the political process in order to reform society. They wanted to give more control to the people over their government. The United States began to consider the benefits of imperialism. The policy for imperialism is where strong nations extended their political, military, and economic control over weaker territories. The goal of progressivism was to eliminate government corruption, grant suffrage for women and pass antitrust legislations. Progressivism was a response to the economic and social problems. Progressivism began as a social movement and later grew into a political movement. Many progressivism leaders came from the growing middle class, whose power was rapidly influencing dissatisfied industrial workers. Industrial workers joined the movement as well as wealthy Americans. In the earlier years of progressivism it rejected Social Darwinism, the belief that life consists of competitive struggles in which only the fittest will survive. The movement wanted to get rid of corrupt government officials and make government more responsive to Americans needs. Four amendments were passes during the time that increased the democratic influences of citizens. Despite the successes of progressivism, the benefits were mostly limited to white Americans. African Americans still experienced discrimination and oppression. Progressivism had a long lasting effect on the American political system. The initiative, referendum, and recall and