Ida Tarbell
Ida Tarbell played a significant role in changing the history of Journalism as she challenged the Robber Baron John D Rockefeller. Her father was an oil producer and refiner who had lots of success in this industry until Mr. Rockfeller came, coming with “a hidden agreement between the railroads and refiners”(“Ida Tarbell | American Experience | Official Site”), putting her father out of business. Enraged by this, Ida pursued a career in writing and research and began to gain traction as she moved up to prominent magazine companies. Despite her father’s warnings about offending the Robber Baron, she continued her investigation, digested years of information, and put together “a 19-part series”(“Ida Tarbell | American Experience | Official Site”) that would expose the unethical tactics that Mr. Rockerfeller took part in. People were inspired, and a new wave of investigative journalists, later known as muckrakers, began exposing political lawlessness and business corruption.
Political Cartoon With Carrie Nation
Carrie Nation was a fierce woman in the temperance movement. She would visit saloons and wreck everything up with her hatchet as she believed that alcohol was the issue with many things in society. She was jailed many times, but upon being set free, she was rampaging through saloons left and right. In this political cartoon, we can see her with her iconic hatchet and a saloon in a mess. Her bold actions inspired many as she sought societal reform.
Jane Addams
Despite being born with a silver spoon in her mouth, Jane Addams became a social reformer and activist, doing her best to bring knowledge to women in poorer neighborhoods. This drive created the Hull House that allowed women “…to share all kinds of knowledge, from basic skills to arts and literature…” among others(Michals). Jane Addams, alongside other progressive reformers, created a multitude of opportunities that reached out to thousands each week. She didn’t stop there and took a stand on the world level, advocating international peace during WWI. Even though many criticized her, she continued to write articles and give speeches promoting peace and persuading people that disputes could be solved without violence. Because of her perseverance, “she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in 1931” (Michals). Through her compassionate approach to societal issues, she inspired many women to reach greater heights.