Upton Sinclair early in his career

Biography

Upton Sinclair, New York Times (b. September 20, 1878; d.November 25, 1968)

A socialist and anarchist who was very upset by the working conditions and living conditions of workers

Sinclair grew up with his poor family, but spent a few years with his wealthy grandparents
He believed that witnessing the two extremes made him a socialist

Paid his way through college by selling his writing

After graduating, he started selling his novels, which were not very popular
Became interested in investigative journalism

The editor of the socialist journal, Fred Warren, asked Sinclair to investigate Chicago immigrants in the meat packing industry; was paid $500 for seven weeks investigation

Teddy Roosevelt ordered an investigation of the meat packing industry after reading the book

Spent the rest of his life and career as an advocate for political and social causes

Historical Background

Pork Packing, Cincinnati, 1873

The Jungle and the Progressive Era from Books That Changed History, Gilder Lehman Institute of American History

Primary Sources

• Click here to read about Upton Sinclair's biography.

• His novel, The Jungle
• Led to the Federal Food and Drugs Act and the Federal Meat Inspection Act in 1906.

• Two Letters from Upton Sinclair and Theodore Roosevelt

• Letter from Upton Sinclair to President Teddy Roosevelt, March 10, 1906

• Letter to Upton Sinclair from President Roosevelt, March 15, 1906

Sinclair (black armband) picketing the Rockefeller Building, New York City, 1914

Multimedia Resources

 Short video Upton Sinclair and the Fight for Reform on Vimeo

The Jungle (A Graphic Novel]

 Link here to hear The Jungle read aloud.

Learning Plans

For a present-day perspective on food and food safety, see CARU Recommends McDonald's Modify Advertising to Focus on Product, Not Premium from the Council for Better Business Bureau

Sinclair's 1934 Campaign for Governor of California

Upton Sinclair's End Poverty in California Campaign from Mapping American Social Movements, University of Washington