The Jungle

<p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>Upton Sinclair's seminal work </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>The Jungle</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> follows the Lithuanian family of Jurgis Rudkus after they immigrate to Chicago in the early 1900's. They soon realize the American Dream is no dream at all as their family is torn apart by horrific working conditions disease moral degeneracy and death. Only to survive the family must sell their bodies to the lowest bidder whether at a grossly unsanitary meatpacking plant or with prostitution. Soon even the youngest children become laborers. As his loved ones succumb to disease and misery Jurgis turns to crime and becomes the muscle for politicians criminals and corporations alike. Soon this too leaves him destitute. With nowhere to go he happens upon a political rally for a new movement Socialism. Controversial and rousing </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)>The Jungle</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 0 1)> caused an uproar over the unsanitary conditions in meatpacking facilities resulting in a flurry of legislation. Although the public was less interested in labor rights or Sinclair's socialism the novel cemented Upton Sinclair as one of the premier journalists of his day.</span></p>