Muckraking and Journalism in Early 20th Century

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Questions and Answers

What did the Man with the Muck-rake symbolize?

A figure promoting environmental conservation

An individual striving for personal success

A character who embraces optimism in difficult situations

A tendency to focus on negativity and refuse to see the good (correct)

What significant legislation was passed in 1906 related to food safety?

The Federal Pure Food Act (correct)

The Eight-Hour Law for Women

The National Parks Act

The Child Labor Laws

Which accomplishment was NOT achieved between 1900 and 1915 by muckrakers?

The dissolution of the Standard Oil company

Creation of universal healthcare (correct)

Prison reforms

The establishment of a federal income tax

Who was the publisher of the first public newspaper, Publick Occurences Both Forreign and Domestick?

Benjamin Harris Signup and view all the answers

What did Benjamin Harris’ newspaper specifically highlight?

Torture of French prisoners by Indian allies Signup and view all the answers

Which act enacted in 1902 aimed at land reclamation?

The Newlands Act Signup and view all the answers

Which issue did Helen Hunt Jackson address in her work A Century of Dishonor?

Native American injustices Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following reforms was implemented due to muckraking journalism?

Mother's pension acts Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the basic goals of reporters in the agenda-building process?

To stimulate discussions around various social issues Signup and view all the answers

What was Theodore Roosevelt's view of muckrakers?

They were often misleading and harmful to society Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is a misconception about the role of journalists?

They aim to directly ask the public for reforms Signup and view all the answers

Which term was first coined by Theodore Roosevelt in reference to journalists?

Muckrakers Signup and view all the answers

What ideology do proponents of muckraking argue it serves?

Serves to the American ideal of popular democracy Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of journalists exposing wrongdoings, according to the content?

Potentially no significant changes in policy agendas Signup and view all the answers

Which character from John Bunyan’s 'Pilgrim’s Progress' is referenced by Roosevelt?

Christian Signup and view all the answers

What does the agenda-building theory suggest about the influence of the media?

Media, government, and citizenry influence each other mutually Signup and view all the answers

Which author is known for addressing child labor in their work?

John Spargo Signup and view all the answers

What major reform movement was spurred by the 'Treason of the Senate' series?

Direct election of senators Signup and view all the answers

Which industry did Upton Sinclair aim to reform through his writing?

Meat-packing Signup and view all the answers

Who conducted exposés against Standard Oil?

Ida Minerva Tarbell Signup and view all the answers

What was a common issue in the Senate following the Civil War?

Corruption and bribery Signup and view all the answers

Which author highlighted the racial divide in America?

Ray Stannard Baker Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of Progressive Era reformers concerning the Senate?

Weaken corporate influence Signup and view all the answers

Which literary work is linked to the investigation of political corruption?

Shame of the Cities Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of muckraking journalism in the early 1900s?

Criticizing political corruption and industrial monopolies Signup and view all the answers

Which journalist wrote 'The Shame of the Cities' addressing corruption in politics?

Lincoln Steffens Signup and view all the answers

What impact did Upton Sinclair's novel 'The Jungle' have on legislation?

Resulted in the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act Signup and view all the answers

What did David Graham Phillips' series 'The Treason of the Senate' inspire?

The direct election of senators through the Seventeenth Amendment Signup and view all the answers

Which muckraker wrote an exposé on child labor?

Edwin Markham Signup and view all the answers

Which publication is associated with the revelation of the Pentagon Papers?

The Washington Post Signup and view all the answers

What common theme is reflected in muckraking journalism?

Exposing corrupt practices of political and business elites Signup and view all the answers

Which reform writer is known for the book 'The Greatest Trust in the World'?

Charles Edward Russell Signup and view all the answers

What event in 1906 significantly influenced the campaign for direct election of senators?

The conviction of two senators on corruption charges Signup and view all the answers

Who commissioned David Graham Phillips to write a series of investigative articles?

William Randolph Hearst Signup and view all the answers

Which term did President Theodore Roosevelt coin to describe Phillips’ type of journalism?

Muckraker Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the muckrakers' investigative work?

The ratification of the direct election amendment in 1913 Signup and view all the answers

Which societal issue did muckrakers primarily aim to expose?

The influence of big business on politics Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main tactics used by muckrakers in their journalism?

Investigative reporting with sensationalist elements Signup and view all the answers

What marked the shift in Senate resistance to the direct election amendment by 1906?

Increased popularity of muckraking articles Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'muckraker' after its initial negative usage?

A positive connotation signifying social concern Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary aim of investigative journalism?

To deeply investigate topics of interest, especially abuses of power Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'watchdog journalism' refer to?

Journalism that monitors political corruption and corporate wrongdoing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically a focus of investigative journalism?

Celebrity gossip Signup and view all the answers

What ethical dilemma is often faced by investigative journalists?

Balancing confidentiality of sources with public interest Signup and view all the answers

In the context of investigative journalism, what are muckrakers known for?

Revealing corruption and injustices during the early 20th century Signup and view all the answers

Why might politicians try to provide journalists with information?

To build a good relationship and connect with voters Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes investigative journalism from other forms of journalism?

It is not limited by specific targets or legal aspects Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event is commonly associated with a significant development in investigative journalism?

The Watergate Scandal Signup and view all the answers

What does the Agenda-setting Theory imply about the media’s role?

Media shapes what topics people consider important Signup and view all the answers

When journalists discover classified information, what must they evaluate?

Whether to respect confidentiality or expose information for the public good Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Investigative Journalism/Reporting

Investigative journalism delves deeply into a specific topic, often involving crime, political corruption, or corporate wrongdoing.
Subjects of the reporting frequently want the matters under investigation to remain undisclosed.
Often called "watchdog journalism" or "accountability reporting".
Investigative journalists aim to uncover truth and identify lapses in various media.
This differs from the work of police, lawyers, auditors, and regulatory bodies as it is not limited to specific targets, is not legally bound, and is closely linked to public disclosure.

Professional Definitions

An investigative journalist is a person whose job is to discover the truth and expose any discrepancies found in various media.
This work is distinct from similar activities performed by other professionals, like police, lawyers, auditors, and regulatory bodies, because it is not restricted to specific targets and is tied to public disclosure.

The Politician-Journalist Relation

Politicians often try to provide as much information as possible to journalists because journalists act as a connection between politicians and their voters.
Journalists typically strive to develop strong relationships with politicians, as they are crucial sources of information.
Politicians often want to keep certain information secret to maintain a certain image or protect their interests.
Investigative reporters work to uncover undisclosed information.

The Fourth Power

Investigating journalists are considered a crucial check on the other three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) of government, essentially acting as a watchful fourth power.
Journalists often aim to bring undisclosed information to light, whether it involves unethical practices or illegal activities.
Investigative journalism typically targets political, business, and financial elites.
Journalists examine cases where public resources are misused or diverted to private sources.
Individuals involved in these affairs often try to conceal potentially incriminating information by categorising it as a business, government or bank secret

Classified Documents

When encountering classified documents, journalists must balance the importance of confidentiality with the public interest.
Revealing information may cause harm to some; however, the general public interest might be served by releasing the information

Journalism of Outrage

Muckrakers were early investigative journalists, revealing issues from 1690-1972.
The Watergate Scandal (1972-1974), and subsequent investigative journalism prompted profound changes.
Different time periods such as WWI, WWII and the Cold War are relevant to the historical development of the field.

Watchdogs and Muckrakers: Revealing Journalism as Public Policy

Agenda-setting theory states media tells the public what issues to think about, not what to think, influencing public policy.
Journalists expose wrongdoings to prompt public demand for reforms.
Journalism attempts to alter policy through public pressure; however, big changes are not guaranteed.
Media, government, and citizens mutually influence each other's agendas.
Investigative journalism facilitates a collective process across these entities, highlighting issues and prompting governmental reform

Muckrakers

Muckrakers were early investigative journalists, exposing political misconduct and holding powerful elites accountable.
They believed that public exposure of unethical actions and wrongdoings would lead to positive change in society.
Muckrakers aimed for profound impact on public policies, seeking to correct social and political problems.

Theodore Roosevelt on Muckraking

Theodore Roosevelt, a notable president of the US, initially criticized muckrakers and challenged their investigative journalism. He believed muckrakers portrayed a misleading image of the American public.
He opposed their focus on negative aspects, viewing them as detrimental rather than constructive.
Conversely, admirers argued that muckraking journalism helped fulfil the American ideal of a vibrant and responsive democracy.

Muckraker = Reform-Minded Journalist

The term "muckraker" originated from a 1906 speech by Teddy Roosevelt where he described investigative journalists as "raking" in the muck to expose corruption.
Muckrakers were often criticised; however, their work became a powerful force in America's democratic development.

Consequences of Muckraking

Muckraking led to significant changes in American society, including reforms in the convict and peonage systems, prison reforms, and child labour laws.
Reforms in natural resource conservation and mothers’ pension policies were also products of investigative journalism.

First Colonial Muckraker

Benjamin Harris, publisher of the first colonial newspaper, "Publick Occurrences", was a key figure in American investigative journalism.
He showcased specific instances of misconduct, challenged existing norms, and allowed readers to voice opinions and criticisms.

Famous Muckrakers and their Works

A number of famous muckrakers played a crucial role in uncovering wrongdoings and raising awareness about various problems in American society.
They focused on exposing corruption (e.g., political corruption, exploitation in the meat-packing industry, and monopolies); and various social issues (e.g., child labour and the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples).

1972 - The Watergate Scandal

The Watergate scandal involved extensive political misconduct and corruption; leading to investigations by journalists like Woodward and Bernstein to uncover the truth. The public's opposition to the Vietnam War facilitated these investigations
The scandal ultimately impacted the American political landscape and changed the way the public perceived the governing institutions.

Investigative Reporting

Investigative journalism aims to expose unethical and corrupt practices by political, business, and financial elites.
The goal is to inspire public outcry and enact necessary changes within society, thus putting pressure on the political elite to reform the system.

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Description

Test your knowledge on muckraking journalism, its key figures, and the significant social reforms from 1900 to 1915. This quiz covers important legislation, milestones, and the impact of muckrakers on society, as well as the historical context of journalism during this period.