The letter below was written by Upton Sinclair to President Theodore Roosevelt. Sinclair urges Roosevelt to send meat inspectors to the meatpacking houses. He even suggests they conduct research undercover as he did for The Jungle.

Image of page seven of a typed letter from Upton Sinclair to President Theodore Roosevelt.

Source: Letter from Upton Sinclair to President Theodore Roosevelt, March 10, 1906, selected page, National Archives

Activity: You are now a modern-day muckraker or investigative reporter. Reflect on what you have learned and answer the following questions in your notes.

  1. Muckrakers were investigative reporters. Today we have investigative reporters as well. Are they as effective as muckrakers? Why or why not?
  2. As a muckraker in the United States today, what social, political, or economic problem would you like to investigate and expose? Why?
  3. After you finish your investigation, what methods and media would you use to make people aware of the problem that you explored? Explain your answer by providing three examples.