What did the muckrakers do?
A muckraker was any of a group of American writers identified with pre-World War I reform and exposé writing. The muckrakers provided detailed, accurate journalistic accounts of the political and economic corruption and social hardships caused by the power of big business in a rapidly industrializing United States.
Who were the muckrakers and what impact did they have?
Muckrakers were journalists and novelists of the Progressive Era who sought to expose corruption in big business and government. The work of muckrakers influenced the passage of key legislation that strengthened protections for workers and consumers.
Who was the most famous muckraker?
Upton Sinclair. One of the most famous muckrakers is Upton Sinclair, author of The Jungle. Ida Tarbell. Another famous muckraker is Ida Tarbell, author of This History of the Standard Oil Company.
How did Roosevelt feel about muckrakers?
It became popular after President Theodore Roosevelt referred to the character in a 1906 speech; Roosevelt acknowledged that “the men with the muck rakes are often indispensable to the well being of society; but only if they know when to stop raking the muck.”
Who were muckrakers and what was their purpose?
The muckrakers were a group of journalists from the 1890s to the 1920s who turned American society upside down by exposing corruption and informing readers about important social issues. Journalists who follow in their footsteps by publishing exposes and fighting against corruption are often also referred to by this term.
Who were the most popular muckrakers?
Notable Muckrakers. Tarbell (1857-1944) and Steffens (1866-1936) were two of the most famous muckrakers. Tarbell had been a magazine editor in the 1880s before beginning her association with McClure’s in 1894.
What are the goals of the muckrakers?
The main goal of the Muckrakers was to raise awareness of social injustices, inequality, corruption and the abuse of political power in order to bring about reform. For additional facts refer to the article detailing Progressive Reforms at city, state and federal levels.
What did muckrakers try to expose?
Muckrakers were journalists and novelists of the Progressive Era who sought to expose corruption in big business and government . The work of muckrakers influenced the passage of key legislation that strengthened protections for workers and consumers.