What was a common theme in the works of muckrakers during the Progressive Era?

Muckrakers were investigative journalists and writers active during the Progressive Era, and a central theme in their work was the exposure of governmental and corporate corruption. This movement was characterized by an intense push for social reform and transparency, prompting public awareness and outrage over the unethical practices that plagued both politics and business at the time.

The muckrakers sought to unveil various forms of corruption, such as bribery, graft, and the influence of powerful corporations on politics, which they believed undermined democracy and the welfare of the general populace. Prominent muckrakers, such as Upton Sinclair, whose novel "The Jungle" highlighted unsanitary conditions in the meatpacking industry, played a significant role in rallying public support for reforms, leading to significant changes in legislation, including the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.

Their diligent reporting and storytelling were instrumental in reshaping public opinion and igniting movements for reform, revealing the connection between corporate greed, political corruption, and societal issues. Thus, exposing governmental and corporate corruption stands out as a defining theme of muckraking literature during the Progressive Era, fundamentally tying their efforts to the broader goals of the Progressive movement, which aimed to address the problems created by industrialization and urbanization.