Teddy Roosevelt said, "Men with the muckrake are often indispensable to the well-being of society, but only if they know when to stop raking the muck, and to look upward to the celestial crown above them ... If they gradually grow to feel that the whole world is nothing but muck, their power of usefulness is gone." Who are the "men with the muckrake" he describes? A. leaders of industry such as John D. Rockefeller B. protesters against the Progressive Party C. immigrants from Eastern Europe who worked in factories D. journalists who attacked industry leaders and institutions as corrupt

The Progressive Era was a time of significant social, political, and economic reform in the United States, spanning from the 1890s to the 1920s. This period was characterized by efforts to address problems arising from industrialization, urbanization, and corruption. Reformers sought to improve conditions through initiatives like labor laws, women's suffrage, and anti-trust laws.
Key figures of the Progressive Era included Theodore Roosevelt, who advocated for massive changes to reduce corruption and improve the lives of ordinary Americans.
To understand Roosevelt's quote, it's important to grasp this era's context, where exposing and combating corruption were essential themes aligned with the movement's values.

• The Progressive Era aimed to curb the power of big businesses.
• It worked towards eliminating government corruption.
• Social welfare programs were introduced to help the needy and impoverished.

Muckraking journalism refers to the practice of journalists uncovering and exposing societal injustices, corruption, and abuses of power. The term 'muckrake' is derived from John Bunyan's *Pilgrim's Progress*, where a character can't look up because he is too focused on raking filth. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, muckrakers were pivotal in bringing to light issues that required public attention and reform.
These journalists played a critical role during the Progressive Era by investigating industries, institutions, and even the government.

• They utilized detailed research and writing to reveal the harsh realities.
• Publications by muckrakers often led to public outcry and demands for change.
• Famous muckrakers include Upton Sinclair, whose novel 'The Jungle' exposed unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry.

Corruption exposure became a significant focus during the Progressive Era, largely through the efforts of muckraking journalists. These efforts aimed to unveil the unethical behaviors and practices of powerful entities, presenting them to the public for scrutiny and action. Corruption can denote various unethical behaviors, such as bribery, fraud, and misuse of power.
Exposing corruption served several purposes:

• It informed the public about the true state of institutions.
• It pressured those in power to enact reforms.
• It mobilized citizens to demand transparency and accountability from both businesses and governments.

Roosevelt's quote highlights the importance of this task but also warns against being consumed solely by the negative aspects being uncovered, advocating for a balanced perspective.

Journalistic ethics are the principles and standards guiding journalists to report accurately, fairly, and responsibly. Ethical journalism ensures that the public receives truthful information, which is crucial for a well-informed society. During the muckraking era, maintaining journalistic integrity was vital to ensuring that the exposes were credible and respected.

• Ethical journalists must verify facts before publication.
• They should avoid conflicts of interest that could compromise their objectivity.
• Respecting privacy and minimizing harm are other essential aspects of journalistic ethics.

Teddy Roosevelt’s speech acknowledges the value of journalists but also implies a need for ethical boundaries: they must not let their pursuit of negative stories cloud their overall judgment or lead them to ignore positive aspects of society.
Journalists need to balance their duty to uncover the truth with the responsibility to promote general societal well-being.