Mike Piarulli March 8, 2015 Progressive Essay

During the late 1800's and early 1900's, American citizens experienced a plethora of social and economic injustices. women were extremely pressed down, sanitation conditions were a mess, and much more. There were reformers during this time period who worked tirelessly to aid the cries for reform. Although many individuals believe that the reformers resolutions were not affective, there is much more factual evidence that proves this otherwise. The need for reform was brought out by a group of journalists known as muckrakers, who would uncover the “muck” about flaws in businesses and society. Works included Lincoln Steffens The Shame of the Cities, an attack on government corruption, and Ida Tarbell's History of the Standard Oil Company, which exposed John D. Rockefeller ruthless business practices. One of the most famous muckraking novels was Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, a book whose descriptions of working and sanitary conditions in the meat industry led to the creation of new federal laws for the industry, such as the Meat Inspection Act which required inspection of meat packing facilities and the Pure Food and Drug Act, which required correct labeling of food and medicinal products. Some believe saw muckrakers as a negative aspect, believing that they tried exposing too much at once. Clearly this is not the case, as muckrakers were an important part in uncovering what was really going on in society. This time period was also important for women. Women made many advancements for themselves during this time. Women pushed for the right of suffrage, and the temperance movement (a limitation of alcohol due to its negative affects on the family life). Major leaders included Susan B Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton who founded the National Women's suffrage association. The 19th Amendment was passed which gave women the right to vote. Some people argue that women did not have a successful impact, but that is false because they achieved the goal of