Question

"My purpose is to see if the shameful facts, spread out in all their shame, would not burn through our civic shamelessness and set fire to American pride." According to Steffens, what was the purpose of muckraking journalism?

a) To expose corruption and promote societal change
b) To entertain readers with scandalous stories
c) To discredit political opponents
d) To create fear and anxiety in society

Answer 1

Muckraking journalism aimed to expose corruption and encourage societal improvement, playing a key role in the Progressive Era reforms, including the passage of significant laws like the Pure Food and Drug Act.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Steffens, the purpose of muckraking journalism was a) To expose corruption and promote societal change. Muckrakers were journalists who sought to uncover and report on the egregious practices plaguing the nation, particularly in government and big business, and highlight issues such as poor working and living conditions. This period of investigative journalism was influential during the Progressive Era, a time when many Americans were inspired to join reform movements to induce societal progress.

The work of muckrakers like Upton Sinclair, who wrote 'The Jungle', led to significant changes, including the enactment of laws such as the Pure Food and Drug Act. By bringing these societal problems to light, muckrakers played a crucial role in alerting the public and stimulating change. Despite President Theodore Roosevelt's criticism, he acknowledged that their work was essential in maintaining a just society, so long as they adhered to the truth in their reports.