Overview
This lecture covers the role and impact of muckrakers—investigative journalists—during the Progressive Era and highlights their key achievements in bringing social issues to public attention and driving reform.
Muckrakers: Definition and Purpose
- Muckrakers were journalists, writers, photographers, or cartoonists exposing social problems to the public and government.
- The term "muckraker" was given by President Theodore Roosevelt due to their focus on society's issues.
- Their goal was to inspire reforms by raising awareness among officials and the general population.
Major Muckrakers and Their Achievements
- Thomas Nast used political cartoons to uncover political corruption.
- Frank Norris wrote "The Octopus" (1901) about farmers’ struggles with railroad monopolies, influencing the breakup in Northern Securities v. US (1904).
- Lewis Hine photographed child labor, leading to the introduction of child labor laws.
- Ida Tarbell published articles exposing Standard Oil's ruthless practices, resulting in Standard Oil v. US (1911) and the company’s breakup.
- Jacob Riis authored "How the Other Half Lives" (1890), revealing poor tenement conditions and prompting safer building codes in New York City.
- Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" (1906) exposed unsafe meat-packing industry practices, leading to the Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act (both 1906).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Muckraker — Journalist or artist exposing societal problems to promote reform.
- Monopoly — Exclusive control of an industry by one company.
- Tenement — Crowded, often unsafe urban apartment building.
- Pure Food and Drug Act — 1906 law requiring labels and regulations for food and medicine.
- Meat Inspection Act — 1906 law mandating government inspection of meat products.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the works and impacts of these five muckrakers.
- Prepare for the next class topic: social reforms and the effects of banning alcohol in America.