Progressive Era: The Muckrakers

Summary

This lesson delves into the Progressive Era's muckrakers, journalists exposing societal ills. Key figures include Frank Norris, who highlighted farmer-railroad monopolies in 'The Octopus'; Lewis Hine, who documented child labor; Ida Tarbell, who revealed Standard Oil's ruthless tactics leading to its breakup; Jacob Riis, who depicted urban poverty; and Upton Sinclair, whose 'The Jungle' prompted food industry reforms like the Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act. These muckrakers influenced public opinion and policy, shaping America's social reforms.

Takeaways

• ✒️ Muckrakers were journalists who exposed societal problems to bring about change.
• 🌟 Theodore Roosevelt coined the term 'muckraker' for journalists who highlighted societal issues.
• 📚 Frank Norris' book 'The Octopus' depicted the struggle of farmers against railroad monopolies.
• 📸 Lewis Hine's photojournalism exposed child labor, leading to child labor laws.
• 🖋 Ida Tarbell's articles on Standard Oil's ruthless tactics led to its Supreme Court case and breakup.
• 🏘 Jacob Riis' 'How the Other Half Lives' exposed urban poor living conditions, influencing building codes.
• 📖 Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle' revealed unsafe and unsanitary practices in the meatpacking industry.
• 💊 The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 was a result of 'The Jungle', requiring ingredient labels on food and medicine.
• 🥩 The Meat Inspection Act of 1906 mandated government inspection of meat products.
• 🔍 Muckrakers played a significant role in the Progressive Era by advocating for social reforms.

Q & A

What is a muckraker?

A muckraker is a journalist or writer who exposes corruption, social injustice, or other societal problems in an effort to bring about reform.

How did President Theodore Roosevelt coin the term 'muckraker'?

President Theodore Roosevelt used the term 'muckraker' to describe journalists who were always bringing up the dirt or 'muck' in American society.

What book did Frank Norris write that exposed the struggle between farmers and railroad monopolies?

Frank Norris wrote the book 'The Octopus' in 1901 to expose the struggle between farmers and railroad monopolies.

How did Lewis Hine's work contribute to child labor laws?

Lewis Hine, a photojournalist, captured images of child labor in various harsh working conditions, which helped pave the way for child labor laws across different states and the country.

What was Ida Tarbell's contribution to exposing business malpractices?

Ida Tarbell exposed the ruthless business tactics of the Standard Oil Company in a series of articles, which were later published together in 1904.

What Supreme Court case resulted from Ida Tarbell's articles about Standard Oil?

The Supreme Court case 'Standard Oil vs. the US' in 1911 resulted from Ida Tarbell's articles, leading to the breakup of the Standard Oil Company.

What did Jacob Riis expose in his book 'How the Other Half Lives'?

Jacob Riis exposed the living conditions of the urban poor, focusing on tenements, in his book 'How the Other Half Lives'.

What legislation resulted from Upton Sinclair's book 'The Jungle'?

Upton Sinclair's book 'The Jungle' led to the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act of 1906, which aimed to reform the food industry.

What was the purpose of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906?

The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 required labels on food and medicines to list ingredients, side effects, and other information, and is still regulated by the FDA.

What is the Meat Inspection Act of 1906 and what does it require?

The Meat Inspection Act of 1906 requires all meat products to be inspected by the government at various stages of processing to ensure safety and sanitation.

What is the significance of the muckrakers during the Progressive Era?

The muckrakers during the Progressive Era played a significant role in raising public awareness about social issues, leading to reforms and legislation aimed at improving societal conditions.