Sinclair's The Jungle, published in 1906, exposed the unsanitary and dangerous conditions in the meatpacking industry in the United States. The book was a powerful indictment of capitalism, and it led to a public outcry and demands for reform. Sinclair's work helped to raise awareness of social and economic issues, and it contributed to the Progressive Era, a period of social activism and reform in the United States.
In the early 20th century, the film industry was still in its infancy, and it was heavily influenced by the vaudeville and theater traditions of the time. Movies were often short, one-reel affairs that featured slapstick comedy, melodrama, and other popular genres. However, as the film industry grew and matured, it began to reflect the social and political issues of the day.
By the 1930s, the Great Depression had hit the United States, and the country was in a state of economic and social turmoil. This led to a rise in social consciousness and a demand for films that addressed real-world problems. The film industry responded with a wave of socially conscious films, including dramas such as Grapes of Wrath (1940) and Citizen Kane (1941), as well as documentaries such as The Plow That Broke the Plains (1936) and Night Mail (1936).
While Sinclair's work did not directly lead to the development of industry films, it did contribute to the broader cultural and political context that eventually shaped the film industry. His writing helped to raise awareness of social and economic issues, and it inspired other artists and filmmakers to address these issues in their work.