The Gilded Age, so named by Mark Twain, was a time period that appeared dazzling on the surface, but was actually corrupt under the falsified image. Over time, individuals began noticing and criticizing the political and social corruption existing in America. Theodore Roosevelt gave a name to the journalists and writers who exposed the underlying corruption in the early 20th century. The term ‘Muckrakers’ was first used in 1906 and became a title these journalists were proud of. Lincoln Steffens was a journalist, lecturer, philosopher, and an overall leading figure among the muckrakers.

Lincoln Steffens spent nine years working for a New York City newspaper. In that time, Steffens discovered quite a lot of evidence of the corruption of politicians and business owners. He exposed them for what they were, upper class citizens desiring special privileges in a time when the lower class was living day to day. By 1901, …show more content…
The collection of works reports of the detailed working of corrupt political and business machines in the big cities, recognizing that there had been very few efforts to fight off the machines. He also expresses his skepticism of reform movements by claiming that popular reform movements are not enough to really clean up the damage the government has done. However, Steffens admits that he still has faith that the US can be made to care about their nation and their government. He writes, "We Americans may have failed. We may be mercenary and selfish. Democracy with us may be impossible and corruption inevitable, but these articles, if they have proved nothing else, have demonstrated beyond doubt that we can stand the truth; that there is pride in the character of American citizenship”. In this statement lies the idea that the public could be shamed into exercising action against the government, thus explaining the title The Shame of the