Muckraker, a term coined by President Theodore Roosevelt, sounds like a negative term, and he certainly meant it to be regarded in a negative light!
 |
Muckrakers were journalists who investigated social issues and exposed information that some in power did not want brought to the surface. They focused on a variety of issues such as child labor, unfair working conditions, unhealthy living conditions, monopolies, corruption in government, and more.
The definition of muck, according to Webster's dictionary is "soft moist farmland manure". Simply put, a muckraker is a person who rakes up the muck on a farm. Roosevelt borrowed this term from the work Pilgrim's Progress, wherein the author described a muckraker as one who must only look downward. Roosevelt was making the point that certain individuals were only looking for negative news and information. The President did believe that the muckrakers were instrumental in bringing about needed changes, but he also felt as though there was a place and time for their raking. The term, despite Roosevelt's negative application, eventually grew to represent boldness and bravery, as it described a group of investigative journalists whose reports began to expose corruption and bring about reform.
Goals of Muckrakers
1. Expose corruption and injustice
2. Initiate reform
The Progressive Era in the United States, which took place from about 1896 - 1916, was a time in American History when many longed for social and political reform. Fortunately, much corruption was uncovered and many injustices were brought to light, leading to major changes in how things were done. Journalists during this era were vital to putting these wheels of change into motion through their investigations and news stories. Many politicians and corporate bosses did not appreciate the journalists known as muckrakers, and they fought hard to silence them. In a time of unsafe working conditions, trusts, unequal rights, and political machines, however, muckrakers had many stories to tell, and they were bold in telling them.
Muckraker Examples
 |
1. Ida Tarbell - Ida Tarbell was a teacher, author, and journalist from Pennsylvania who used her wit and intelligence to uncover the sinister behavior of a very wealthy and powerful man. Owner of Standard Oil, John D. Rockefeller, was known for his ruthless pursuit of power and his ultimate takeover of the oil industry. Tarbell, whose father's own business had suffered as a result of monopolies, was determined to help the public understand the extent of Rockefeller's discretions. Her 19 part series in McClure's Magazine unearthed Rockefeller's deeds and ultimately ruined his reputation and broke up his monopoly.
2. Upton Sinclair - Upton Sinclair, a writer of fiction, was given the title of muckraker because of his writings, which ultimately brought about positive change. His book, The Jungle, exposed the horrors of the meat packing industry. Sinclair's efforts have since been credited with the adoption of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act. The information in his book caused national outrage, and even President Roosevelt was concerned enough to support new laws regulating certain aspects of the industry.
3. Lincoln Steffens - Lincoln Steffens was a muckraker who focused on big city government corruption. His writing turned many city governments upside down, and numerous corrupt government officials were brought to justice because of his efforts. One of his most famous foes was William Tweed, also known as Boss Tweed. Tweed, through his power, his influence, and his association with many commissions, was able to control voters and ultimately determine who held power in New York. Steffens shared these offenses with the public through his journalistic work.
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
