The Shame of the Cities

Lincoln Steffens, a pioneering journalist of the early 20th century, uncovered widespread corruption and graft in major U.S. cities through a series of investigative articles. His work revealed how public officials and organized crime colluded to siphon money from city funds, manipulate elections, and rig public contracts, often revealing schemes hidden behind the veneer of city governments. These revelations shocked the public and sparked calls for reform, marking a significant moment in the birth of investigative journalism.