Use your knowledge of the Progressive Movement to identify which statement was written by one of the muckrakers and which was written by an industrial capitalist. Check the box under either Muckraker or Industrial Capitalist next to the statements.

Question

Muckraker

Industrial Capitalist

"There would be meat stored in great piles in rooms; and the water from leaky roofs would drip over it, and thousands of rats would race about on it. It was too dark in these places to see well, but a man could run his hand over these piles of meat and sweep off handfuls of the dried dung of rats"

"While competition may sometimes be hard for the individual, it is best for the race, since it insures the survival of the fittest. We welcome the concentration of business and wealth in the hands of a few as not only beneficial, but essential for the future progress of our race."

Answer 1

Here’s how to categorize the statements:

Muckraker

• "There would be meat stored in great piles in rooms; and the water from leaky roofs would drip over it, and thousands of rats would race about on it. It was too dark in these places to see well, but a man could run his hand over these piles of meat and sweep off handfuls of the dried dung of rats."

Industrial Capitalist

• "While competition may sometimes be hard for the individual, it is best for the race, since it insures the survival of the fittest. We welcome the concentration of business and wealth in the hands of a few as not only beneficial, but essential for the future progress of our race."

The first statement reflects the investigative nature of muckrakers, who highlighted the unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry to push for reform. The second statement aligns with the beliefs of industrial capitalists, who defended the concentration of wealth and business practices during the era of industrialization.