Thesis
The Progressive Era began in the 1890s and was marked by a period of social and political reform. A few years before its start, investigative journalist Nellie Bly rose to an extraordinary level of influence, kick-starting the Progressive movement with her muckraking articles. Bly showed astonishing bravery by plunging herself into the midst of unethical situations in order to expose injustices in America. She did this by pioneering stunt journalism, a method in which attention-grabbing articles reveal the author's personal perspective on societal problems. Bly was especially attuned to these issues because as a woman in the 1800s, she was subject to sexism and discrimination, especially in the workplace. Despite these barriers, Bly became highly influential, leading women by example to pursue, and become successful in, previously inaccessible careers. Bly's own success allowed her articles to galvanize the population with messages of social ills and necessary reforms, which, when carried out, left a lasting impact. The concept of using journalism as a catalyst for social reform is one that is employed by modern day immersive journalists to continue the betterment of society.
Newspaper Row, 1800s America
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