Name: _________________________
Social Studies
Progressive Era
Date: ____________
Period: ___________
1. Imagine that you are a muckraker. Choose a problem below that you would want to
expose and circle it.
Poor Conditions
in Tenements
Working Conditions for
Women and Children
Political Corruption
and City Bosses
Abuses in the Meat
Packing Industry
Abuses of Big Business
and monopolies
2. Complete one of the following:
 Pretend you are one of the muckraker journalists. Write a front page
story exposing the abuse that the muckraker exposed. There should be dramatic
headlines, pictures, and a 1 page story discussing the abuse. Make sure that your story
has all 5 W’s, the date is realistic to the time period and you have your facts straight.
(Remember to use big, bold headings and pictures (“Yellow Journalism”)
OR

Pretend you are one of the muckraker journalists. Draw a political cartoon that
reveals the horrors, corruption, or injustice in one of these industries/cities. The
cartoon should have a title, quote(s), or labels to better demonstrate the topic. Be
sure to label key people and objects appropriately. On the back of your product
give a one paragraph explanation of the cartoon and the point you are trying
to make through your illustrations, labels, and quotes.
Each student will draw/create his or her own political cartoon/news article on some
reform of the Progressive Era. This project will count as two homework assignments. The
cartoon option must be drawn in color using colored pencils, crayons, or markers (See Rubric).
Students may also create their own political cartoon using Microsoft PowerPoint and clipart
that is appropriate to one of the topics. The most important thing to remember is your use
of symbolism and exaggeration to make your point. Your cartoon must express the sentiment
of the Progressive Era and the general opinions on the problem that you are drawing or
writing about. Remember that there are many political cartoons in your textbook to look at
for examples. The frontpage story option can be made on Microsoft PowerPoint or Microsoft
Publisher (See Rubric). Be creative. The project should be on a normal sheet 8” x 11” sheet
of computer paper.
Examples of Political Cartoons