"The Jungle" (book by Upton Sinclair)

"The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair is a novel that exposes harsh conditions in the early 20th-century American meatpacking industry. Through the story of Lithuanian immigrant Jurgis Rudkus, Sinclair reveals unsafe workplaces, unsanitary practices, and exploitation of workers. The book highlights broader issues of industrial corruption, lack of regulation, and social injustice, aiming to inform and provoke reform. While initially focused on labor and health abuses, its impact ultimately led to improved food safety laws and labor protections, making it a pivotal work in American social activism and investigative journalism.