Progressive Era and Muckrakers Overview

Study Notes

Emergence of the Progressive Era

Dominated by widespread corruption during the Gilded Age, leading to the Progressive Era in the 1890s in the United States.

Muckrakers' Role

Term "muckrakers" coined by Teddy Roosevelt to describe journalists exposing corruption and unethical practices.
Focused on revealing how an elite minority controlled government and economy.

Notable Muckraking Journalists

Key figures included Lincoln Steffens, Ida Tarbell, and Ray Stannard Baker.
Contributors for McClure's magazine, a platform dedicated to investigative journalism.

Impact of Ida Tarbell

Authored "The History of Standard Oil," which led to the dismantling of Rockefeller's Standard Oil Trust.
Her work highlighted monopolistic practices and influenced public and governmental sentiment against big business.

Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle"

Exposed the poor quality of food and lack of regulations in the meatpacking industry.
Sparked governmental response through the creation of new laws.

Legislative Outcomes

The Pure Food and Drug Act and Meat Inspection Act were established to improve food safety and quality.
These laws aimed to protect consumers and ensure healthy standards in food production.

Decline of Muckraking

By 1912, the significance and popularity of muckraking journalism began to wane.
Despite the decline, the social changes initiated by muckrakers continue to influence society today.

Description

This quiz covers the emergence of the Progressive Era in the United States, highlighting the role of muckrakers in exposing corruption during the Gilded Age. Learn about key figures like Teddy Roosevelt and the impact investigative journalism had on reform movements. Test your knowledge on the events and changes that shaped American society in the 1890s.