What was the Progressive Era (America)? And how does it relate to the book The Jungle?

The Progressive Era in America, generally considered to have occurred from the 1890s to the 1920s, was a period of social, political, and economic reform aimed at addressing the problems caused by industrialization, urbanization, and political corruption. Reformers sought to improve society through various means, including government intervention, legislation, and grassroots activism. Key issues during this era included labor rights, women's suffrage, antitrust laws, education reform, and public health. The period was characterized by a belief that scientific and rational approaches could solve social problems. Notable reforms included the establishment of antitrust laws to break up monopolies, the introduction of labor regulations to improve working conditions, and the push for women's suffrage, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Upton Sinclair's novel "The Jungle," published in 1906, is deeply related to the Progressive Era as it highlighted the appalling conditions in the meatpacking industry in Chicago. Sinclair aimed to expose the exploitation of immigrant labor and the unsanitary conditions in the food processing industry. While his primary goal was to promote socialism and advocate for workers' rights, the graphic descriptions of filthy practices in meat production shocked the public and drew attention to issues of food safety and public health. The public outcry that followed the publication of "The Jungle" contributed to significant reforms, including the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act in 1906. These laws sought to regulate food production and ensure consumer safety, reflecting the broader goals of the Progressive movement to protect the interests of the public and promote social justice. Thus, "The Jungle" is a pivotal work that illustrates both the struggles of the working class and the successes of the Progressive Era in addressing critical societal issues.