Muckrakers
Upton Sinclair • Investigated the meat packing industry • Wrote novel, The Jungle which
described some of the unsanitary
practices • Teddy Roosevelt and Congress passed
the Pure Food and Drug Act and the
Federal Meat Inspection Act
Ida Tarbell • Wrote History of the Standard Oil
Company • Showed how Rockefeller acquired his
wealth through ruthless business
practices • Demands for more controls on unfair
business practices lead to passage of
anti­trust laws
Jacob Riis • Wrote How the Other Half Lives • Described the terrible living conditions
of the urban poor • NYC passed building codes to promote
safety and health
Lincoln Steffens • Wrote The Shame of the Cities • Exposed corruption in city governments • Resulted in new forms of government
[commissioners and city managers]