In the 19th century, living conditions during the Progressive Era were harsh by having unsatisfactory living conditions, lack of food and overcrowded tenements.“In 1900s two- thirds of New Yorkers lived in tenement houses.”
The Pure Food and Drug Movement was created because of the lack of food.
Overcrowded tenements were the only housing many people could afford.
Also the living conditions were deadly and many people got very sick from living there.
The Progressive Era had unbearable living circumstances.