What muckrakers?

The muckrakers were a group of investigative journalists and writers who exposed corruption and wrongdoing in American society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They often targeted big business, political machines, and other powerful interests. Some of the most famous muckrakers included Ida Tarbell, Upton Sinclair, Lincoln Steffens, and Ray Stannard Baker.

Here are some of the most famous muckraking articles and books:

* Ida Tarbell's "The History of the Standard Oil Company" (1904) exposed the corrupt practices of John D. Rockefeller and his Standard Oil monopoly.

* Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" (1906) exposed the unsanitary conditions and worker exploitation in the meatpacking industry.

* Lincoln Steffens' "The Shame of the Cities" (1904) exposed the corruption of political machines in American cities.

* Ray Stannard Baker's "Following the Color Line" (1908) exposed the discrimination and violence faced by African Americans in the United States.

The work of the muckrakers helped to bring about a number of reforms, including the Sherman Antitrust Act, the Pure Food and Drug Act, and the Meat Inspection Act. They also helped to raise public awareness of the need for government regulation of business and industry.