Muckrakers In The Early 1900s

Unveiling the American Truth In the early 1900s, America faced many problems including corruption and social discrimination. During this time, people labeled as “muckrakers” were considered a group of determined reformers. These muckrakers aim to make a difference in society. People like Lincoln Steffens, Ida Tarbell, Jacob Riis, Upton Sinclair, Ida B. Wells, and Mary Church Terrel worked very hard to expose the harsh realities faced by many Americans and they pushed for changes that made the society more fair. Their investigative journalism, powerful storytelling, and detailed research led them to expose problems and inspire public outrage, which ultimately led to significant reforms. Muckrakers were essential in pushing for social, political,

These articles helped mobilize citizens towards advocating for changes in the government. Without the endeavor of Lincoln Steffens’ investigative journalism, these articles would not have been brought to the public's attention. Therefore his efforts were important in the Progressive Era reforms, which contributed to public awareness, and conclusively led to significant improvements in the government. Ida Tarbell's investigative journalism was essential in revealing the improper practices of Standard Oil and encouraging reform. Tarbell wrote about John D. Rockefeller’s takeover of the Standard Oil Company, her book was titled The History of the Standard Oil Company. Her research included, interviews with former employees of the oil company and the examination of company records. This showed how Rockefeller became so dominant, and how he created a monopoly by taking over many railroads and even other oil businesses. She wrote, “To the owners of these refineries Mr. Rockefeller now went one by one, and explained the South Improvement Company [the new trust]. ‘You see,’ he told them, ‘this scheme is bound to