Day 2 The Muckrakers

Increased public awareness of social and economic problems

Passage of laws regulating food and drugs

The direct election of senators

The breakup of monopolies like Standard Oil

People were horrified by the dangers of contaminated food and demanded government action.

People became angry at workers for causing the unsanitary conditions.

There was little public interest because food safety was not a concern at the time.

The main focus was on improving working conditions for immigrants.

Standard Oil helped stabilize the U.S. economy.

Standard Oil’s power threatened government and businesses.

The government successfully controlled monopolies.

Ida Tarbell supported Rockefeller’s business practices.