Muckrakers During The Progressive Movement

A. One of the various groups to form during the Progressive movement was the “muckrakers.” Journalists and writers collectively came together intending to expose problems in American society. These writers and journalists used their talents to exploit critical social problems and encourage the public to join and act. “Ida Tarbell, perhaps the most well-known female muckraker, wrote a series of articles on the dangers of John D. Rockefeller’s powerful monopoly, Standard Oil.” (Corbett, 21.1 The Origins of the Progressive Spirit in America) Ida Tarbell exposed corruption and abuse of power in American society, most notably in the oil industry. Tarbell’s work was well received by the public and led to the passing of “The Sherman Antitrust Act …show more content…
“Although Roosevelt enjoyed the nickname “the Trustbuster,” he did not consider all trusts dangerous to the public welfare.” (Corbett, 21.4 Progressivism in the White House) This quote proves not everyone was on President Theodore Roosevelt’s chopping block. Roosevelt, believing in good trusts, allowed Morgan U.S. Steel Corporation to take over smaller steel companies and continue operations. President Theodore played a proactive role in his belief in acting as a steward of all Americans. After winning his second term in 1904, Roosevelt continued his own brand of progressivism, calling it the Square Deal. Protecting the public with the Meat Inspection Act of 1906, requiring all food and drugs to clearly state the materials used. Establishing the new U.S. Forestry Service, which would establish eighteen national monuments, five national parks, and one hundred fifty national parks. The passage of the Elkins Act of 1903 and Hepburn Act of 1906 kept railroad prices …show more content…
“Of key interest to Taft was the debt that several Central American nations still owed to various countries in Europe.” (Corbett, 22.5 Taft’s “Dollar Diplomacy”) President Taft was more in favor having central American countries pay their debts owed to Great Britain to them. This tactic did not start with military force and the same strategy remained in keeping the Western Hemisphere in the United States hands. Taft had Congress pass the “Lodge Corollary” to disrupt a Japanese corporation from gaining significant land and economic advantages in Mexico. The approach was different between Taft’s “Dollar Diplomacy” and Roosevelt’s “Big Stick” policies. Each has strengths and weaknesses. Roosevelt faced criticism with a heavy-handed approach and was seen as imperialism by the public. While President Taft’s led to conflicts with other great powers. Nonetheless, these policies did advance American interests abroad during the Progressive Era. D. Several factors played a key role at the end of the World War I, making the peace process lengthy. President Woodrow Wilson encountered complications trying to promote the process and perceive his postwar