1. Jacob Riis (1849-1914):
- Riis was a Danish-American photographer, journalist, and social reformer.
- He is famous for his book "How the Other Half Lives" (1890), which shed light on the poor and impoverished conditions in New York City slums.
- Riis used his photographs and writings to expose the harsh living conditions of immigrants and the working class, capturing their struggles and the need for social reform.
- He was instrumental in bringing public attention to urban poverty and substandard housing, leading to improvements in housing regulations and living conditions for the poor.
2. Upton Sinclair (1878-1968):
- Sinclair was an American novelist and journalist.
- He gained recognition for his novel "The Jungle" (1906), which exposed the unsanitary and dangerous conditions in the meatpacking industry.
- His detailed portrayal of the injustices faced by workers in the industry drew widespread attention and played a crucial role in the passage of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act.
- Sinclair's works often centered around social, economic, and political issues, and his writings aimed to expose exploitation and inequality in society.
Riis and Sinclair are considered muckrakers because they used their writing and investigative journalism to expose social injustices and influence public opinion. They brought to light the harsh realities faced by marginalized groups, leading to significant changes in public policy and social reforms. Their work influenced the broader Progressive Era movement's focus on reform, social justice, and improved living conditions for all Americans.