A Level History - America - Practice Exam

What did Upton Sinclair expose in his work "The Jungle"?

1. The benefits of meatpacking industry

2. Financial corruption in government

3. The exploitative conditions in the meatpacking industry

4. Innovative farming techniques

The correct answer is: The exploitative conditions in the meatpacking industry

Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" is a pivotal work that shines a light on the harsh and exploitative conditions faced by workers in the meatpacking industry in the early 20th century. Sinclair's vivid descriptions of the grueling labor conditions, the unsanitary practices of food processing, and the lack of workers' rights aimed to expose the human toll on workers in this booming industry. The book was groundbreaking in how it revealed the realities of factory life, sparking public outrage and leading to significant changes in food safety regulations. As a result, it contributed to the establishment of the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act of 1906. This context underscores why the answer is correct, as Sinclair's focus was on advocacy for social reform stemming from the mistreatment and exploitation of laborers rather than the promotion of industry practices or government finance.