From what I know of the book, it was a critical success but did not resonate with the public the way Sinclair wanted it to. The government took notice and tried to better regulate the meat industry. Working people, however, were not drawn to it the way had hoped.
No, American manufacturers have been sourcing products and parts from around the world for decades, and today it is nearly impossible (and not to mention extremely expensive) for companies to attempt to extract themselves from the global supply chain.
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee introduced a motion in Congress to declare independence. Other members of Congress were amenable but thought some colonies not quite ready. However, Congress did form a committee to draft a declaration of independence and assigned this duty to Thomas Jefferson. I felt that this question was more of a opinion question but this is what I think.
He was 58 at the time of his marriage.