Final answer:
Muckrakers were investigative journalists and writers of the late 19th century who exposed social issues and corruption. Their work, which brought public attention to issues such as child labor and political corruption, was instrumental in bringing about social reform and legislation such as the Pure Food and Drug Act.
Step-by-step explanation:
The muckrakers were journalists and writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in the United States, who exposed corruption, scandal, and misconduct in business and politics. Their reports, published in newspapers and magazines, led to public outrage and often brought about reform. They played a significant role during the Progressive Era, focusing public attention on significant social issues such as child labor, corporate malfeasance, and political corruption.
For example, muckraker Upton Sinclair's novel, The Jungle, revealed grim details of the meatpacking industry, leading to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act in 1906. Their work had a profound impact on American society, laying the groundwork for many of the reforms and social changes of the early 20th century.
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