The Meatpacking Inspection Act was prompted by which novel exposing the meatpacking industry?

The Meatpacking Inspection Act was prompted by which novel exposing the meatpacking industry?

• A. The Grapes of Wrath
• B. Uncle Tom's Cabin
• C. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
• D. Silent Spring

Answer: (C)

The idea here is how investigative writing can spur government action to protect public health. The Jungle, published in 1906 by Upton Sinclair, exposed unsanitary slaughtering and processing practices in Chicago’s meatpacking industry. The vivid portrayal shocked readers and lawmakers, creating strong public demand for federal oversight of meat safety. Consequently, Congress passed the Meat Inspection Act of 1906, establishing federal inspections of meatpacking plants and setting sanitary standards. This reform reflected the era’s broader push to regulate industry to protect consumers and workers.

The idea here is how investigative writing can spur government action to protect public health. The Jungle, published in 1906 by Upton Sinclair, exposed unsanitary slaughtering and processing practices in Chicago’s meatpacking industry. The vivid portrayal shocked readers and lawmakers, creating strong public demand for federal oversight of meat safety. Consequently, Congress passed the Meat Inspection Act of 1906, establishing federal inspections of meatpacking plants and setting sanitary standards. This reform reflected the era’s broader push to regulate industry to protect consumers and workers.