Final answer:
Muckraking journalists pursued the goal of uncovering corruption and hidden threats to society during the Progressive Era. They exposed problems in American society and aimed to inform the public, provoke outrage, and inspire social and political reform.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main goal pursued by muckraking journalists was to uncover corruption and hidden threats to society.
During the Progressive Era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, muckrakers exposed problems in American society such as corrupt politics, poor working conditions, and unsafe food processing practices. Through their investigative journalism, they aimed to inform the public, provoke outrage, and inspire action for social and political reform.