Passage from Upton Sinclair's novel "The Jungle" - "There was never the least attention paid to what was cut up for sausage; there would come all the way back from Europe old sausage that had been rejected, and that was moldy and white—it would be dosed with borax [a white powder made from boric acid, used in detergents, flame retardants, and disinfectants] and glycerin [a chemical compound used in foods and medicines], and dumped into the hoppers [containers for mixing], and made over again for home consumption." What 3 actions/changes can be attributed to this novel about the meat packing industry? (U8.1 & 5 and Units 8-10 Study Notes) TEKS - 5(B), 15(B)

Question

TRUE OR FALSE
Congress began auditing railroads.
Lawmakers created regulations to inspect food before being sold for consumption.
The public demanded the government take measures to protect people from contaminated foods.
Food makers had to start following stricter purity codes of food processing.
The right to vote was extended to women.
Federal troops were mobilized to break up strikes.

Answer 1

Three Actions/Changes Attributed to "The Jungle":

1. Creation of the Pure Food and Drug Act (1906): The vivid descriptions in "The Jungle" of unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry prompted public outrage, leading to the establishment of federal regulations that aimed to ensure the safety and purity of food and drugs sold in the United States.

2. Formation of the Meat Inspection Act (1906): The novel directly influenced the introduction of the Meat Inspection Act, which mandated sanitary standards for meat processing and authorized federal inspection of meat products to help ensure their safety for consumption.

3. Increased Public Awareness and Advocacy: Sinclair's work raised public awareness regarding unsafe food practices and living conditions for workers, which spurred advocacy for worker rights and improved labor conditions, ultimately contributing to broader social reforms.

---

TRUE OR FALSE

1. Congress began auditing railroads. - False
2. Lawmakers created regulations to inspect food before being sold for consumption. - True
3. The public demanded the government take measures to protect people from contaminated foods. - True
4. Food makers had to start following stricter purity codes of food processing. - True
5. The right to vote was extended to women. - False (This was not directly a result of "The Jungle," though it did contribute to broader social reform movements.)
6. Federal troops were mobilized to break up strikes. - False (This statement is not a direct result of the issues raised in "The Jungle.")