Between 1890 and 1920, America experienced a movement in which some outspoken reformers denounce their nonconformity about a series of social and political situations presented during the industrialization of the country. These reformers became known as “Muckrakers”. In fact, they publicly denounce issues like labor exploitation, child labor, economic disparity, and the living conditions of the working class. Some of the most prominent muckrakers include Ida Tarbell, Jacob Riis and Lincoln Steffens.
Ida Tarbell, a Pennsylvanian journalist and author, exposed the dishonest business of the Standard Oil Company. In her 1904-book <em>The History of the Standard Oil Company</em>, Tarbell exposed the way in which the company created its monopoly, with the participation of Theodore Roosevelt. Moreover, the publication led to the subsequent dissolution of the company.
Jacob Riis, a Danish-born photographer, exposed the terrible living conditions of the poor through their work. His photographs focused the attention of the public on the daily life of urban slums. Similarly was the work of Lincoln Steffens, a reporter from New York. Steffens addressed the issue of corruption in municipal governments in his boo<em>k The Shame of the Cities</em>.
