The Jungle

         To survive at packingtown you have to have strength and a good work ethic.  It was a hard job working in the packing plants, the owners pushed hard to get as much money as possible.  For someone like Jurgis who had a good work ethic this job was well suited for him

        The plant owner worked his men long and hard. He was trying to make as much money as he could and he didn't care hoe he did it.  There were ranks and grades of men that would drive each other to a physical limit. The men who were in the same rank fought against each other to keep their jobs.

       What does Sinclair mean when he says, "...there was no place in it where a man counted for anything against a dollar....?"  This passage is talking about how there was no decency or any honesty.  

      Since this has happened the government has been involved in the processing of all food and drugs.  in 1906 they created the meat inspection act.  This made it mandatory for the government to inspect every piece of meat that is being used.  They inspect all livestock before slaughter, after they have died and when they are being packed up.  

The Sinking of the Maine

        On February 15, 1898 the United State's most advanced battle ship sank due to what most people thought was from the Spanish.   The sinking of the Maine was one of the most important events in the Spanish American war.  The Maine was Americas most advanced and expensive ship for its time.  The US sent the Maine to Cuba to fight against the Spanish fleets, but during the fight the Maine exploded killing 75% of the crew.  To this day no one knows why the Maine blew up, but  some say it was from a Spanish ship or an undetected fire from one of the coal bunkers.  Today the ship lays at the bottom of the Strait of Florida.

       Since the Americans thought that the Spanish blew up their ship they went to war with them starting the Spanish American war.  The Americans were furious about Spain sinking their ship,and created one of the most famous sayings.  "Remember the Maine, to Hell with Spain" this cry was heard throughout America and was an excuse for America to get involved in the war against Spain.






 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Maine_%28ACR-1%29