Here's why:
* Sinclair was a committed socialist: He believed in a more equitable society where workers were treated fairly and had a greater share in the wealth they created. He saw capitalism as inherently exploitative and sought to expose its flaws.
* He was appalled by the conditions of the working class: He witnessed firsthand the harsh realities of working-class life in Chicago's meatpacking industry, which fueled his desire to bring attention to these issues. He wasn't initially focused on food safety, but on the plight of the workers themselves.
* He aimed to inspire social change: Sinclair's primary goal was to use his writing to awaken the public conscience and spark a movement for social reform. He believed that exposing the injustices of the capitalist system would lead to a more just society.
While the public's focus on the book shifted to concerns about food safety, it was Sinclair's initial desire to expose the exploitation of workers that drove him to write *The Jungle*. He wanted to create a story that would resonate with readers and compel them to demand change.