Final answer:
Upton Sinclair was a muckraker whose EPIC program aimed to combat the flaws of capitalism and end poverty in California through progressive reforms and social welfare. EPIC contrasted with capitalism by advocating for societal change to address economic inequality and systemic issues contributing to poverty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Upton Sinclair was a muckraker and author best known for his novel 'The Jungle,' which exposed the unsanitary conditions of the meatpacking industry in the early 20th century. His work significantly influenced the enactment of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act. Sinclair's views advocated for social reform and he was a critic of capitalism, which he saw as a system that exploited both consumers and workers.
The End Poverty in California (EPIC) program was Sinclair's ambitious plan during his run for governor of California in 1934. It aimed to address the economic despair of the Great Depression through a series of progressive measures like a pension program for the elderly and a system of cooperative living. The goal of EPIC was not only to alleviate immediate poverty but also to restructure the economic system to prevent such crises in the future.
EPIC's approach stands in contrast to traditional capitalism; while it operates within a market economy, it suggests government intervention and social welfare policies that deviate from capitalism's emphasis on private property and free markets. EPIC echoes socialist ideals, proposing societal change to remedy economic inequality, similar to the visions of earlier socialist thinkers. In essence, EPIC sought to mitigate the negative impacts of capitalism, such as poverty and inequality, through systemic reform and direct aid.