In this lesson, students learn about the muckraking journalists who exposed social injustices during the Progressive Era and what the Progressives believed. They will examine primary sources, including the works of prominent...

A lesson plan from the producers of the 16-episode PBS series "Freedom: A History of US" that leads learners through an examination of the role of muckrakers in the development of investigative journalism. Students work to identify...

Sometimes a pen can be wielded more lethally than a sword. Read about the brave muckrakers who exposed corruption and injustice in government and business. These journalists attacked different areas, but the result was an introduction to...

Excerpts from the writings of Upton Sinclair, Ida Tarbell, and Jacob Riis on early industrial America. Topics include the horrors that went into the making of sausages, the problem of transportation and the Standard Oil Company, and life...

A companion to C-SPAN's series, this site features a brief biography of Upton Sinclair, the text of his influential book, "The Jungle," and links to information about the Chicago Stockyards, as well as to other sites about Sinclair and...

Students will describe how Upton Sinclair's The Jungle reflected issues of the Progressive Era.

Read about George Seldes (1890-1995), a muckraker and press critic. Read some of his writings from his column "In Fact." Read his autobiography and a brief biography. There are links to other sites about George Seldes. Site by Brass Check.

This resource provides a wealth of information about the period of American literature from 1860-1914. There are eight good articles discussing the movements of realism, regionalism, and naturalism, the rise of black American literature,...

Read and think about what the great "muckraker" Upton Sinclair had to say about various topics. Also provides source information.

A comprehensive outline covering the major ideas, leaders, and actions of the Progressive Era and the transformation of the United States as a result of World War I.

This unit highlights the integral role that the media plays in American politics to communicate between the leaders and the public. Offers video, readings, web resources, and activities.

This is the full text of the novel The Fashionable Adventures of Joshua Craig by David Graham Phillips; published in 1909 and represents the classical example of the muckraker tradition. The author depicts Washington's high society. The...

This online book presents an overview of American literature chronologically. Eras and movements are explained and biographies of significant authors are provided. This is a good way to understand the background and influences of...

A great outline that highlights the important parts of the Progressive Era from those involved in reforms to the reform programs themselves. Not much detail, but good information.

Home of the muckraking journalist and author Ida Tarbell.