Welcome to “The Jungle” A Closer look at Upton Sinclair…

Setting the Stage…  Progressive journalist who wanted to write about the meat-packing industry.  1906, published “The Jungle” a novel that was an in-depth look at the industry as a whole.

Goals…  His book was a commentary on poverty, and harsh working conditions in the industry.  Wanted the book to act as a means of persuasion to show the lack of political progressivism.

 Instead of focusing on the working conditions, the American public was outraged about the cleanliness of the meat.  Because of the book, the meat-packing industry lobbied for higher meat inspection legislation.

Roosevelt…  Teddy Roosevelt sent two special investigators to check out the meat- packing industry.  Sinclair wanted Roosevelt to see the atrocities of “slave wages,” but the men only reported on the cleanliness of the meat.

What Happened Next???  The passing of the Meat inspection act and the Pure Food and Drug Act of  Held food industry more accountable for the cleanliness of food.

Fast-Food Nation  A book written in 2006 by Eric Schlosser.  Examines the local and global impacts of the fast-food industry.  Talks about how societal changes has impacted the fast food industry.

Fast-Food Nation…  Rise and fall of the minimum wage.  Mothers going outside of the house.  Talks about the industry by itself, but also the soda industry and product placement that targets children.

Impact…  This book did not have the same impact of the “The Jungle,” but it does shed light on the constant struggle of the food industry.  The concept of this book is sometimes paralleled to “The Jungle.”

Activity, “Who Wrote it?”  With a partner (2-3)  I will supply quotes form either “The Jungle,” or “Fast-Food Nation,” and you will decide which it came from.

Why are we doing this???  To illustrate the similarities between Sinclair’s book and Schlosser’s book.  To see just how far we have come since that “The Jungle,” was written.  See an example of modern-day muckraking.