Final answer:
Muckrakers played a critical role in initiating the Progressive Era reforms by using investigative journalism to expose and publicize societal issues, which in turn spurred the public and progressive activists to push for legislative changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Role of Muckrakers in the Progressive Era
The term muckrakers refers to progressive journalists who used investigative journalism to expose societal issues during the Progressive Era. This group of writers and journalists played a crucial role in bringing about reforms by shedding light on the realities of corruption, poor working conditions, and other social injustices.
Their writings encouraged the public to seek solutions and led to legislative change as progressive activists lobbied for reforms in response to the issues the muckrakers brought forth. The best description of how muckrakers contributed to reform in the Progressive Era is by exposing societal issues through investigative journalism.
Highlighting the work of muckrakers in publications such as McClure's, their efforts garnered public attention and agitation that led to legislative changes, marking the Progressives' influence on the federal government as well. Issues such as child labor, anti-trust laws, and health and safety standards became focal points for reform, initiated by the detailed accounts provided by muckrakers, which ultimately became a driving force for the broader Progressive movement.