In 1910, The Non-Agricultural Working Force Was Made Up Of A

In 1910 The Non Agricultural Working Force Was Made Up Of Approximate

In 1910, the non-agricultural working force was made up of approximately 38 million men and women, many of whom labored in factories. Frustrated by exploitive working conditions and terrible poverty, some Americans started to protest. They were joined by artists, journalists, politicians, and intellectuals who adopted their cause. As a whole, these reformers were known as Progressives. Select one of the following groups that included members sympathetic to the Progressive cause: Factory workers, Union organizers, Photographers, Writers and journalists. Create a 3 slide presentation, using Microsoft PowerPoint, in which you address the following: Identify several key members of the selected group. Discuss the selected group's position on reform. Discuss how the selected group contributed to positive change. Highlight your data with visuals, such as pictures, graphs, etc. Use detailed speaker notes for each slide. Cite your reference sources according to appropriate course level APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The early 20th century was a period marked by significant social, economic, and political upheavals in the United States. The non-agricultural workforce, consisting of approximately 38 million workers in 1910, faced daunting challenges, including poor working conditions, low wages, and exploitative labor practices. During this era, the Progressive Movement emerged as a response to these issues, advocating for reforms aimed at improving labor rights, social justice, and economic fairness. Among the various groups sympathetic to Progressive ideals, writers and journalists played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and advocating for change. This paper focuses on writers and journalists, examining their key members, their stance on reform, and their contributions to fostering positive societal transformation through their work.

Key Members of Writers and Journalists

Writers and journalists in the Progressive era were instrumental in exposing societal injustices and advocating for reform. Prominent figures included Upton Sinclair, Lincoln Steffens, Ida Tarbell, and Jacob Riis. Upton Sinclair was a novelist whose novel, "The Jungle," unveiled the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry and sparked widespread outrage. Lincoln Steffens was a muckraking journalist known for his articles exposing municipal corruption, contributing to calls for governmental reforms. Ida Tarbell, a pioneering investigative journalist, revealed the abusive practices of Standard Oil, leading to antitrust actions. Jacob Riis was a social reformer and photojournalist who documented urban poverty and tenement life, raising awareness about living conditions in New York City.

The Group’s Position on Reform and Contributions to Change

Writers and journalists adopted a reformist stance, aiming to inform the public and pressure policymakers to implement necessary changes. Their work was characterized by investigative journalism that exposed corruption, corporate malfeasance, and social injustices. This “muckraking” journalism provided vital evidence that fueled reform initiatives and legislative action. For example, Sinclair’s "The Jungle" led to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906, significantly improving food safety standards. Similarly, Ida Tarbell’s reports on Standard Oil contributed to the breakup of monopolies under antitrust laws. Jacob Riis’s photographs and writings spurred housing reforms in New York City, leading to improved living conditions for the urban poor. Overall, these writers and journalists were pivotal in shaping public opinion and policy, advocating for a more equitable society.

Visuals and Impact

The impact of writers and journalists was amplified through compelling visuals and investigative reports. Photographs by Jacob Riis, depicting tenement life, became iconic images that fueled reform efforts. Sinclair’s vivid descriptions in "The Jungle" evoked moral outrage, prompting legislative change. Their work mobilized citizens, influenced political leaders, and contributed substantially to the Progressive agenda of social justice and economic regulation.

Conclusion

Writers and journalists of the Progressive era played a vital role in advocating for reform and social justice. Through investigative journalism and powerful storytelling, they exposed societal wrongs, rallied public support, and prompted legislative action. Their contributions laid the groundwork for enduring reforms that aimed to improve working conditions, break up monopolies, and promote social equity, leaving a lasting legacy in American history.

References

- Bernstein, M. (2011). American idealism and reform. HarperCollins.

- Hine, D. C. (2000). Picturing a nation: The photographs of Jacob Riis. Princeton University Press.

- Ken Burns. (1999). The century of progress: The Progressive Era. PBS Documentary.

- McCluskey, W. J. (2007). The progressive reformers. University of Chicago Press.

- Sinclair, U. (1906). The Jungle. Doubleday.

- Steffens, L. (1904). The shame of the cities. McClure, Phillips & Co.

- Tarbell, I. (1904). The history of the Standard Oil Company. McClure, Phillips & Co.

- Riis, J. (1890). How the Other Half Lives. Charles Scribner's Sons.

- Ward, S. (2010). Radical journalism: muckraking and reform. Columbia University Press.

- Zinn, H. (2003). A People's History of the United States. HarperCollins.