Muckrakers

Introduction

A period of reform known as the Progressive Era took shape in the late 1800's. During this time, Americans worked to fight corruption in government, reduce the power of big business, and improve society. This webquest will show students the glaring problems created during the Industrial Revolution and how they were addressed during the Progressive Era. In addition, students will analyze primary sources from the time period to gain further understanding.

Have you ever heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words"?  Have you ever read a book that gave you chills or made your stomach turn?  This webquest contains photographs, book excerpts, quotes, and tours about the Progressive Era that will affect you senses for sure!

Task

Within your groups, you have been assigned a certain muckraker or issue to research during the Progressive Era.  It is your job to research your particular issue by analyzing primary sources and completing a worksheet.  By looking at photographs, reading first hand accounts, and participating in on-line tours, you will better understand the problems progressives tried to fix.  Once you have completed your assignment, you will return to your group and educate your classmates about your particular subject.  You can use your worksheet as a guide, and your group members should take notes.  If time permits, you can go back and look at other issues researched in your group on the webquest.

For Homework:

Decide which issue was the most pressing of the time period.  What problem should have been made a priority, dealt with first, or demanded the most attention?  Why?  Are there any present day problems you feel demand the same attention?  What was your overall impression of this assignment?  Suggestions?  Comments?  Reflections?  Minimum one page.

Process

For background information please read the "Progressive Party Principles" section contained in the link below

 

PROGRESSIVE PARTY PLATFORM

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/presidents/26_t_roosevelt/psources/ps_trprogress.html

 

You've been assigned a specific person or issue to research during this webquest.  Access the links to your specific journalist or issue below, and follow the directions on you handout. 

 

LIVING CONDITIONS

http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/historyonline/us28.cfm

Read section labeled "The Rise of the City"

 

http://www.tenement.org/tours.html

1. Select the "Play" section of the title bar

2. Select "Virtual Tenement"

3. Click the "Enter Here" icon on the picture

4. Go to the drop down bar (upper right hand corner) and take tours of the various family apartments.  Be sure to READ the information on each page in addtion to looking at the dwelling.

 

JACOB RIIS

Read excerpt from "How the Other Half Lives"

http://www.eduplace.com/ss/hmss/8/unit/act6.1blm1.html

Riis Photos

http://www.masters-of-photography.com/R/riis/riis.html

 

UPTON SINCLAIR

Excerpt from "The Jungle"

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5727/

Photos

http://www.solpass.org/7ss/Images/meatstoragechicago.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/Chicago_meat_inspection_swift_co_1906.jpg

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s252/UptownRising/Livestock_chicago_1947.jpg

 

LEWIS HINE

Read excerpt about child labor

http://ehistory.osu.edu/osu/mmh/gildedage/content/LifeofaCoalMiner.cfm

Hine's Photos

http://www.masters-of-photography.com/H/hine/hine_climbing.html

http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/childlabor/index.html

 

 

Evaluation
 
Evaluation Rubric
  Beginning 1 Developing 2 Very Good 3 Exemplary 4 Score  
Completed Worksheet Analysis Observations listed about primary sources. Analysis and interpretation not evident. No reflection, opinon, or understanding shown. Analysis of primary sources shown. Observations listed. In depth analysis of primary sources shown. Observations, opinions, and understanding shown. Extensive in-depth analysis of primary source shown through observations. Relatablity, understanding, and reflection shown. %30  
Work Cooperatively in Groups Educates group members using just opinions about primary sources (no facts). Either dominates group discussion or doesn't speak up. Takes no notes on other topics. Educates group members about part of thier topic, but does not elaborate. Jots down a few notes about other topics. Educates group members about topic using primary sources. Allows for group discussion and is respectful of others opinions. Takes good notes on other muckraking issues. Educates group members about entire topic using facts learned from primary sources. Conveys emotion while summarizing thier topic. Allows for group discussion and is respectful of others opinions. Takes thorough notes on other muckraking issues. %30  
Completion of Reflection Paper Shows understanding of topic. Not all questions were answered, and those that were lacked substance. Shows understanding of the content. Some questions were answered. Shows reflection, analysis, and understanding of the content. All questions were answered. Shows in-depth reflection, analysis, and understanding of the content. All questions were answered above and beyond the minimum requirements. %40  
Category4 Cat4Rate1 Cat4Rate2 Cat4Rate3 Cat4Rate4 Category4Score  
Total Score: %100
Conclusion

This webquest has shown students the glaring problems created by industrialization.  By analyzing primary photographs and accounts students better understand what working and living condidtions, as well as big businesses, were like around the turn of the century.  By looking at our past, we can truly understand how far we have come.