Final answer:
Muckrakers were investigative journalists whose work during the Progressive Era led to significant social and political reforms, including improved labor laws and the breakup of monopolies, through their exposure of societal issues and corruption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The impact of the actions depicted by the muckrakers can be best understood through the social and political reforms that followed their investigative journalism. Muckrakers played a critical role in the advent of the Progressive Era by exposing corruption, advocating for reforms, and drawing the public's attention to the ills of society. Their work led to significant legislative changes such as the Pure Food and Drug Act and influenced the break-up of monopolies.
Muckrakers used their writings to highlight issues such as child labor, unfair business practices, and unsafe working conditions. This provoked public outcry and pushed for legislation to address these societal problems. President Theodore Roosevelt, who termed the phrase 'muckrakers', recognized their essential role in uncovering societal issues despite offering criticism on their approach at times. Collectively, muckrakers were instrumental in setting the stage for reforms that improved the lives of many Americans during the Progressive Era.