Final answer:
Upton Sinclair's 'The Jungle' aimed to expose labor abuses and promote socialism, but its legacy lies in sparking reforms like the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act, due to public outcry over the unsanitary meatpacking conditions revealed in the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
Upton Sinclair's Goals and Impact on Progressive Reform
Upton Sinclair's primary goal in writing 'The Jungle' was to expose the unjust conditions of workers in the meatpacking industry and inspire a challenge to the Capitalist system, which he felt exploited both workers and consumers. Although he intended to promote Socialism, the public was mainly horrified by the unsanitary practices in the beef packing industry the novel depicted. This inadvertent focus on consumer health led to significant reform in the form of the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906, which improved sanitary conditions and labeling in the food industry. Sinclair's influence on the era of progressive reform is substantial for three main reasons:
- The novel generated public support that led to governmental action and regulatory policies ensuring food safety and sanitation.
- It laid the groundwork for later agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to establish ongoing oversight of food and drugs.
- It became an example of how social issues can gain national attention through impactful journalism and literature, influencing political outcomes.
Sinclair's dismay at the novel's reception is encapsulated in his quote, "I aimed at the public's heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach," implying his social objectives were overshadowed by the visceral reaction to food safety concerns.