Ralph Nader's Consumer Movement Triumph and Challenges

Ralph Nader's consumer movement gained momentum after a public apology from a major American corporation for attempting to discredit a whistleblower. This incident led to the passing of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, setting new federal standards for car safety. Nader's win against General Motors fueled further investigations, supported by a settlement from the corporation. Nader's Raiders, a group of law students, uncovered various issues, including lead in gasoline and paint. They successfully lobbied for environmental acts, sparking the creation of consumer advocacy groups nationwide. Despite these achievements, skepticism from figures like economist Milton Friedman grew concerning Nader's regulatory approach in consumer product safety.