Ray Stannard Baker Research Paper

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Ray Stannard Baker During the 1890s to 1920s a massive movement began to form against corruption and destruction in the American government. Through the help of many important historic figures, social and political reform manifested throughout the states as the American way of life was changing dramatically. A prominent figure in this revolution was a journalist known as Ray Stannard Baker, famous for his technique of journalism called Muckraking. Ray Stannard Baker deserves a place in history because he devoted his time and efforts to help America become more aware of the corruption in the government and in big business, providing fuel for the change in social and political affairs. Motivation Baker’s upbringing and background of his life …show more content…

Due to his six years of reporting all the events occurring in Chicago, Baker was exposed to the poverty and disaster within the city. This knowledgeable awareness introduced him to new viewpoints that became focal points to his arguments of reform. To add, Baker created many articles released to the public,”Many articles on social and economic problems, as seen from a liberal viewpoint, with the purpose of exposing corruption and instigating reform.” (Princeton University, 2011). Through his liberal point of view he was able to touch the common people throughout America and allow them to gain awareness on this corruption. By releasing articles on these problems, Baker is effectively exposing corruption that no one has ever realized Ray Stannard Baker’s History 3 and people begin to take action. Through these experiences and his upbringing, Baker’s background creates a sturdy grounding for his large accomplishments and contributions. Preparation In order to make such a giant footprint on society, Ray Stannard Baker had endured much preparation to successfully bring recognition to the corruption taking place throughout the …show more content…

Moreover, In 1897, Baker prepared even more to spread the word of corruption and reform when he,”joined the staff of McClure’s magazine, which was at the forefront of a new style of journalism that emphasized critical investigative reporting”("Spartacus Educational," 2013). This style of writing was known as muckraking and it was practiced by Ray Stannard Baker and other famous progressive era reformers such as Ida Tarbell and William A White. By joining together and creating larger numbers, key events and points were able to be spread more effectively. By gaining an education at michigan state and joining McClure’s magazine, Baker had access to distribute unknown information to citizens. Accomplishments During his efforts to spread awareness throughout America of the corruption and poverty occurring through the cities, Ray Stannard Baker achieve many accomplishments and contributed much to American society and reform. For instance, during his time at McClure’s Ray Stannard Baker’s History 4 magazine, “ Baker wrote a series of gripping exposes on pressing social issues working with highly accomplished journalists like Ida Tarbell.”(PBS Online, 2001). This series created was

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