Here's why:
* Naturalism: Zola was a key figure in the Naturalist movement, which aimed to depict life as it truly was, focusing on social problems, poverty, and the struggles of the working class.
* Social Commentary: "Germinal" paints a stark picture of the lives of miners in 19th-century France, exposing the harsh realities of industrial capitalism, labor exploitation, and the social injustices faced by the working class.
* Detailed Realism: Zola meticulously researched and described the lives of the miners, their working conditions, their poverty, and their struggle for survival, creating a raw and unflinching portrayal of social reality.
While other works like "The Mayor of Casterbridge" (1886) by Thomas Hardy or "The House of Mirth" (1905) by Edith Wharton also explored social themes with realism, "Germinal" stands out for its directness and focus on the social and economic conditions of the working class.
However, other earlier novels like "Oliver Twist" (1838) by Charles Dickens or "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1852) by Harriet Beecher Stowe also dealt with social issues and presented a realistic view of poverty and social injustice.
Ultimately, the "first realistic social novel" is a matter of interpretation and perspective. "Germinal" stands out as a significant example of the genre, but other works from different periods also contribute to its rich history and evolution.