Investigative Journalism During The Progressive Era

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The Progressive era started in 1890 and lasted until 1920. It was a period of widespread social activism and political reform. The main task in this period of time was to eliminate the corruption in government. It was thought that by taking down the corrupt representatives in office, it would mean an improved and direct democracy would be established. Also during the time of the progressive era, women’s suffrage was promoted to allow women the right to vote. This issue helped bring about constitutional change and the Nineteenth Amendment, which was passed in 1919. Investigative journalism was extremely important during the Progressive Era. Investigative journalists during this era were called “muckrakers.” The term was used to characterize