Why might some journalists and authors of the late nineteenth century have been called muckrakers?

the term originates from members of the Progressive movement in America who wanted to expose the corruption and scandals in government and business. muckrakers often wrote about impoverished people and took aim at the established institutions of society.

nope.

explanation:

the option which was not a function of missionaries in the northwest was the first one - they established posts for trading furs and other goods.

missionaries were sent around the world to spread religion and their knowledge and others - they were not merchants who sold furs and other goods.