Social Reformers

As the problems in urban areas mounted, concerned Americans worked to find solutions. Many social welfare reformers targeted their efforts at relieving urban poverty and bettering the working conditions of the lower class. 

Two such reformers were Jane Addams and Jacob Riis (whose photography can be seen to the left (and all over this site really). 

As you read about Addams and Riis, think about and note:

• What Addams thinks is the source of the great poverty that can be found in the cities. 

• What were conditions like in each of Riis' photographs? To what purpose did we take and spread these images?