Muckraker Collection

PPRE2A-00147
Cartoon of President Theodore Roosevelt as a muckraker cleaning up the meat scandal. Hand-colored halftone of a 20th-century illustration

"The man with the muck-rake"from The Pilgrim
5615817 " The man with the muck-rake" from The Pilgrims Progress From This World, To That Which Is To Come by John Bunyan (1628-1688) Illustration by Byam Shaw (1872-1919)

"The Man with the Muckrake"from The Pilgrim
5615843 " The Man with the Muckrake" from The Pilgrims Progress From This World, To That Which Is To Come by John Bunyan (1628-1688) illustration by William Strang (1859-1921)

IDA MINERVA TARBELL (1857-1944). American writer. Photographed c1924

UPTON BEALL SINCLAIR (1878-1968). American writer and social reformer. Oil over a photograph, 1906

UPTON SINCLAIR (1878-1968). American writer and social refomrmer. Oil over a photograph taken in 1934, when Sinclair was Democratic candidate for governor of California

IDA TARBELL (1857-1944). American author: oil over a photograph, 1919

UPTON BEALL SINCLAIR (1878-1968). American writer. Photographed in 1906

LINCOLN STEFFENS (1866-1936). American journalist. Photographed by Pirie MacDonald, 1912

HENRY DEMAREST LLOYD (1847-1903). Journalist, writer, and socialist

UPTON BEALL SINCLAIR (1878-1968). American writer. ; photographed in 1934 when Democratic candidate for governor of
UPTON BEALL SINCLAIR (1878-1968). American writer.; photographed in 1934 when Democratic candidate for governor of California

LINCOLN STEFFENS (1866-1936). American journalist. Forced print of a photograph

UPTON BEALL SINCLAIR (1878-1968). American writer and social reformer. Caricature, 1929, by Eva Herrmann

IDA TARBELL (1857-1944). American writer

IDA M. TARBELL (1857-1944). American journalist. Photograph, c1917

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"The Muckrakers: Uncovering the Truth for Social Reform" In the early 20th century, a group of fearless journalists and writers emerged, known as the muckrakers. Inspired by Theodore Roosevelt's famous speech "The man with the muck-rake" from John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, these individuals dedicated themselves to exposing corruption and injustice in American society. One prominent figure among them was Ida Minerva Tarbell, an American writer whose investigative journalism shed light on corporate monopolies such as Standard Oil. Her work paved the way for antitrust legislation and brought about significant changes in business practices. Upton Beall Sinclair was another influential muckraker who used his writing skills to expose social inequalities. His novel "The Jungle" exposed the horrific conditions faced by workers in Chicago's meatpacking industry, leading to major reforms in food safety regulations. Lincoln Steffens delved into political corruption through his series of articles titled "Shame of Cities. " He fearlessly exposed bribery and graft within local governments across America, sparking public outrage and calls for reform. Henry Demarest Lloyd focused on economic inequality and advocated for socialism through his writings. He highlighted the exploitation of laborers by powerful corporations and called for a fairer distribution of wealth. These muckrakers were not without controversy or opposition. Upton Sinclair faced backlash when he ran as a Democratic candidate for governor of California due to his socialist beliefs. However, their dedication to uncovering truth ultimately led to positive change in society. Through their relentless pursuit of justice, these muckrakers played a crucial role in shaping America's history. Their courage inspired future generations of journalists and activists who continue fighting against corruption today. As we look back at these iconic figures captured forever in photographs - Ida Tarbell with her piercing gaze that spoke volumes about her determination; Upton Sinclair portrayed both as an oil painting over a photograph and in his candid moments.