She was widely known for her detailed work in muckraking journalism of the Progressive Era. She is sometimes referred to as "the mother of investigative journalism."
Education and Early Life
Ida Tarbell was born in the Erie County town of North East, Pennsylvania. Her parents were Franklin Sumner Tarbell, a prosperous oil-well owner and businessman, and Esther Ann McCullough. The family was well-educated, and Tarbell's father took the time to teach his children about the world, politics, and culture.
She attended Allegheny College, studying Latin, Greek, and philosophy. She graduated in 1880.
Journalism Career
After graduating from college, Ida Tarbell worked for a short time as a teacher. However, she soon found her calling in journalism. She began working for various newspapers and magazines, including the Erie Dispatch, the Pittsburgh Dispatch, and the Chautauquan.
In 1891, Tarbell joined the staff of McClure's Magazine. McClure's was one of the most popular magazines of the time, and Tarbell quickly became one of its most respected journalists. She wrote a series of articles exposing the corrupt practices of Standard Oil, owned by John D. Rockefeller.
Rockefeller was one of the most powerful men in the world at the time, and Tarbell knew taking on him and his business would be a risky endeavor. However, she was determined to expose the truth about Standard Oil's practices, and she spent years researching and writing her articles.
Tarbell's articles were so well-written that they had a profound impact on the public's perception of Standard Oil. They also led to a congressional investigation of the company, and ultimately, its breakup in 1911.
Legacy and Impact
Tarbell's work as a muckraker set the standard for investigative journalism, and she left a lasting legacy in the field. Her writing led to changes in the structure and regulation of the oil industry, and it also helped to raise public awareness of the need for consumer protection and corporate accountability.
Tarbell's work also helped to inspire other journalists to do their investigations. She was a trailblazing woman during her time, and she paved the way for future generations of female journalists.
Ida Tarbell was an intelligent, fearless, and determined journalist whose work had a profound impact on the world. She is considered one of the most influential journalists of the Progressive Era, and she is still an inspiration to journalists today.