Final answer:
Muckrakers during the Progressive Era worked to expose social issues and spur legislative reform by making the public aware of societal problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Progressive Era, muckrakers published articles and novels primarily to make Americans aware of problems in society. Their work in exposing issues such as child labor, anti-trust issues, and the conditions of the poor and working class aimed to galvanize the public into demanding reform. By highlighting social inequities and promoting an agenda for change, these investigative journalists influenced Progressive activism and helped to spur legislation that addressed the industrial era's most pressing social ills.
During the Progressive Era, muckrakers played a vital role as investigative journalists, publishing articles and novels with the primary aim of raising awareness among Americans about societal problems. Focused on issues such as child labor, anti-trust concerns, and the plight of the poor and working class, these muckrakers sought to mobilize the public to demand reform. Through their exposés, these writers, including Upton Sinclair, Ida Tarbell, and Lincoln Steffens, shed light on social injustices and inequities, contributing to a growing sense of urgency for change.
The muckrakers' impactful storytelling and investigative reporting influenced the Progressive movement, prompting public engagement and galvanizing support for legislative reforms. Their work helped pave the way for significant changes during this era, leading to the implementation of laws and policies aimed at addressing the pressing social issues of the industrial age.