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Big Four
The Big Four meatpacking companies took ove the meatpacking industry and were able to control prices to cattle ranchers, feed growers, and consumers. The Big Four could now completely control the meatpacking industry and do their own practices as they please without any consent. -
Union Strike
In 1904 the meat packers Union in Chicago went on strike to demand fair and better wages while the big four broke the strike. The workers are pushing back on the unfair treatment but to no avail due to the big four bringing in strike breakers to keep the lines running while the workers fell into poverty. -
The jungle by Upton Sinclair
Upton Sinclair spent seven weeks in the slaughterhouses then recoded his findings in great detail and published his book called the jungle to address the situation. This showed America the true horrors of ,eat packing and though not at first workers rights as well which led to an investigation of the meatpacking factory. -
Meatpacking Investigation
After Roosevelt read Sinclair's book the jungle he launched an official government investigation to see if the meatpacking conditions were true as described in the book. This investigation made progress in the meatpacking industry and had acts passed to get more regulation on food and workers -
Pure food and drug act
Congress passes the pure food and drug act which requires manufacturers to advertise their products honestly. This provided further protection for the consumers and made manufacturers use safe ingredients in their product. -
Adamson Act
President Wilson passed the Adamson Act in 1916 to establish an 8 hour work day for the railroad employees. This brought all workers closer to having equal rights in the workplace.
