Which of the following is not a true statement about the muckrakers?
A) They were among the earliest investigative journalists.
B) They sought to expose political and corrupt corruption.
C) They got their nickname - muckrakers - from Woodrow Wilson, who criticized them for only focusing on the worst aspects of American life.
D) They inspired middle class reformers with their stories of the horrible conditions in industrial America.
E) Their ranks included artists whose work conveyed the underbelly of America.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term "muckrakers" was actually coined by President Theodore Roosevelt, not Woodrow Wilson. Roosevelt used it in a speech in 1906, referencing a character in John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress" who was more interested in raking muck than looking upwards to heaven. This term was meant to criticize but eventually became a badge of honor for investigative journalists exposing societal issues.

Which of the Following Is Not a True Statement About