Artium Baccalaureus (AB), Ohio University, 2010, History

This project explores the conditions leading up to the passage of the Meat Inspection Act of 1906 and evaluates its impact today. The problems and solutions of Sinclair's day are directly linked to problems in the meat industry today. This thesis addresses three questions: What led to the reforms of the meat industry in 1906? What were the immediate and lasting effects of those reforms? Despite reform, why does today's meat supply pose a health risk to consumers?

Committee: Jacqueline Wolf PhD (Advisor) Subjects: American History; American Studies; Animals; History; Public Health