The Research Of American "Muckraking Movement"

In the early 20th century, magazines of American press as the main power exposed the scandals, condemned corruption, called for justice and conscience which set off a wave known as "Muckraking Movement". The movement lasted more than 10 years, touched many dark corners of American life. It played an indelible role in the reform of American political, economic, legal and social aspects; the establishment of American capitalist system and development of American society. Today's China is undergoing social transformation, and also encountered a number similar social problems as American society at that time. So research on American "Muckraking Movement" is significant for the development of contemporary Chinese society and journalism.American "Muckraking Movement" experienced the bud, the outbreak, the climax of three stages. 80 to 90 years of the 19th century was the bud stage, muckraking work of this stage is the embryonic form of muckraking reporting. 1902 to 1904 was the outbreak stage, a group of magazine and newspaper reporters, writers began to join the movement. 1905-1914 is the climax stage, there're a large number of wide-ranging impact of the muckraking journalists, writers and magazines. With the approach of World War I and the initial success of the reform, it gradually declined.American social transformation background, the development of cheap newspapers and magazines, and muckrakers'ideal and pursuit were the important reasons of "Muckraking Movement" generation. At that time, a serious disease was caused by industrial civilization in the United States. American social insight expressed deep concern and strong dissatisfaction. Newspapers and magazines as the carrier provide the necessary conditions. A number of journalists, writers and academics take up pen to expose the ills and the dark of society. All of these eventually led to the occurrence of American "Muckraking Movement".The reports of American "Muckraking Movement" had the following characteristics. The main subject was exposing ugly black, mining shady, prompting people to awakening for social reform. The choice of material included exposing political corruption, economic disorder, the plight of workers and fraud, counterfeiting and other issues. Investigative reporting is the most important report type, and the main report style is the objective reporting. American "Muckraking Movement" had a tremendous impact in all aspects of American society. From the social point of view, it droved the U.S. "Progressive Movement", promoted the American system construction and maintained the stable development. From the journalism side, it greatly improved the social status of the media, established the tradition of American journalism which exposing the ugly. It is a landmark in the history of American journalism.American "Muckraking Movement" enlightens our society and the media. On the one hand, treat the revealing, critical reporting actively, pay full attention to the problems revealed can improve the social system constantly and promote social progress and development. On the other hand, the media should pay close attention, dared to expose the social problems and promote social progress to expand its social impact and access to its rightful place.