What did Upton Sinclair's novel "The Jungle" focus on?

• A. The steel industry
• B. The automobile industry
• C. The meat packing industry
• D. The railroad industry

Answer: (C)

Upton Sinclair's novel "The Jungle," published in 1906, primarily focused on the meat packing industry and the harsh realities faced by immigrant workers in Chicago’s stockyards. Sinclair aimed to shed light on the appalling working conditions, exploitation of labor, and the unsanitary practices prevalent in the meat processing plants. His vivid and often graphic descriptions of the processing of meat not only highlighted the struggles of the workers but also raised public awareness about food safety and sanitation issues.

The impact of "The Jungle" was significant, prompting public outcry and contributing to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906. These legislative reforms aimed to improve food safety standards and regulate the meat industry in response to the shocking revelations presented in Sinclair's work. Thus, the novel is remembered for its critical examination of the meat packing industry and its influence on American society and legislation during the early 20th century.