The late 19th century was a time where cities in the United States experienced dramatic growth. The increase in population during this time was a result of the expanding commercial aspects. Migrant immigrants from various parts of the world accounted for an additional 15 million civilians among townships, cities and bureaus in the United States. Industrial America, as this time period is often referred to, was owed the radical change of the nation. The mass influx of people had their demands, which helped the boom of music, technology, and motor vehicles. With all the advancements occurring so rapidly in The States, important issues still lingered and were addressed throughout the lifetime of a woman named Jane Addams. Throughout this paper …show more content…
the reader will learn about the life of Jane Addam’s and her extordinary work that open the doors for many individuals. Jane Addams, born into an opulent family in the small village of Cedarville, Illinois encountered her trials at an early age. The youngest of eight, by the age of 8 years old Jane had already lost three siblings during their infancy, and her mother (Wolfe, 12). As if that is not enough, plagued with tuberculosis also complicated her childhood as her curved spine hindered her mobility. Jane’s parents John and Sarah were both strong willed individuals who reluctantly did not have gratitude for the arts. When their father was away, Sarah oversaw the mills and took charge of several things for the families well being. Being known as a strict mother, with the help of her hired hand sought regular meals for the saw mill workers and children. After becoming very ill, Sarah passed, leaving the eldest daughter Martha to step into a more demanding role. Martha, Jane’s oldest sister took over the parenting and raising the family after the death of her mother and siblings (Wolfe, 12). As a child, Jane Addams, whose birth name was actually Laura Jane Addams but addressed as “Jenny”, enjoyed the pleasures of the outdoors as well as reading indoors. Tuberculosis interfered with Jane’s self esteem as she considered herself as an unappealing individual. Walking with a limp and not being able to actively participate with the other children The Addams family religiously attended church and the fear of embarrassment always lingered in her mind Herald as a good friend to President Abraham Lincoln, Jane’s father John was a strong influence in her life (Elshtain, 13). The relationship between Jane and her father was tight knitted generally because she was the last link to Sarah; previously deceased wife of John. Jane was very fond of her father, and understandably for him being a hard workingman. John, having a plethora of accolades under his belt was the founding member of the Illinois Republican Party, served as Illinois State Senator and a great support for Abraham Lincoln during his candidacies as senator (1854) and presidency (Wolfe, 12). John later remarried to a woman named Anna Halderman. Martha formally introduced Anna into the picture and became vastly interested in the piano, appealing to her father. The Addams family took a big hit when Martha soon passed, bringing them closer together and resulting in a marriage between John and Anna (Wolfe, 12). Bringing in in two boys of her own, Jane gained age mates but initially felt left out that her father’s attention was now elsewhere It came as no surprise for Jane’s urgency to help the less fortunate. The avid reader she was influenced her interest to wanting to become a doctor. Novels from the likes of Dickens other reads led her to wanting a higher education. Having ties with the school closer to home, Jane’s father insisted she attend Rockford Female Seminary rather than Mount Holyoke and Smith in Massachusetts. Ironically, the principle of Rockford was a women’s activist, believing in equal rights for men and woman without discrepancies (Elshtain, 23). Excelling in school while being the class president, valedictorian and having nearly a perfect grade point average, Jane was a hard working individual, formally earning her bachelors after the school was accredited to altar its name to Rockford College for Women( Elshtain, 24). After college, the decision for Jane to attend medical school was frowned upon by her parent because it is the trend for upper class women not to marry. John unexpectedly passed due to an acute appendicitis and tarnished the family. Being that rock that held things together, Jane’s passion for medical school did not seem to be there and was advised to not continue and travel to Europe. Here she had the epiphany that she did not have to be a doctor to help the less fortunate as she could accomplish her goal other ways (Wolf, 12). Having ideas of surfacing a settlement house, where she can surface an institution in an inner city providing educational, recreational, and other social services to the community. Feeling inspired, Jane visited the first settlement house in Toynbee Hall, London. Described as a “community of University men who live there… “ Addams was felt the need to embody one of her own. Upon her return, Jane was questioning her views as a woman in this society. Where it is custom for a woman to marry and devote her life to her family. In her book Twenty Years at Hull House Jane describes her personally experience in London along with the poverty stricken areas she had visited. Jane’s college friend Ellen Gates Starr cofounded a settlement house in Chicago formally known as the ”Hull House” a rundown mansion initially built by Charles Hull in 1856 (Glowacki & Hendry, 7). Refurbished, Jane paid for all the repair expenses and operating costs but saw support financially from other contributors. Being the first two occupants of the newly remodeled settlement house, Addams and Starr proudly accepted the residency of about 25 women. Visited weekly by thousands, it became the center for research, analysis and living (Glowacki & Hendry, 8). The scripted Hull House charter read “to provide a center for a higher civic and social life; to institute and maintain educational and philanthropic enterprises, and to investigate and improve the conditions in the industrial districts of Chicago" (1995). Jane believed the true problem was not the currency issue but the vast polar oppositions of classes in this nation (Glowacki & Hendry, 8). Many events were held at the Hull House, directly or indirectly. The diversity of people of social classes brought people together for who they were. Jane and Ellen’s dream of social equality among us was created by the simple settlement home in Chicago. Jane’s work on universal peace was remarkable for any group of people let alone an individual. In her books Newer Ideas of Peace and Peace and Bread in Time of War, Addams stressed her views in reevaluating our war over peace acts. Over dozens of articles have been written as well as a coauthor, much time was spent on the idea that peace is not just simply the absence of war. Wrongly labeled as a social critic, Addams had well thought out plans of action that could lead to revisable outcomes, addressing several issues in her books and articles (Stansell, 16). Previously labeled as a social critic, another ideological label on Addam’s name was a feminist. Regardless, Jane advocated for women’s suffrage taking leadership roles as Vice President of the National American Women’s Suffrage Association. Advocating for woman equality and advancement, Addams took on numerous projects to portray female abilities. For instance, the Hull House, which had male residents, was always clearly understood that a female ran the organization( Stansell, 16). Stated in her book Twenty Years at Hull Addams, describes her creation of the Jane Club. Organized in result of the woman’s labor union vulnerability to eviction due to strikes and lockouts, the Jane Club ensured all rent was paid for these individuals through a workingwoman’s cooperative. Addams, known as a dissident and productive author in the American Pragmatist custom who turned into a broadly perceived pioneer of Progressivism in the United States and in addition a universally eminent peace advocate.
Even so, she still faced her fare share of naysayers. These people say she was engulfed in her self-proclaimed radical ideas (Elshtain, 9). Additionally, during World War 1, her urgency for peace resulted in her expulsion from the Daughters of American Revolution and unwelcomed at her alma mater because of the lack of religious teachings at the Hull House ( Elshatin, …show more content…
9). All in all, Jane Addam’s may have been one person who was not given the recognition she ultimately deserved, however, praise was not the objective of her work.
The objective is that Jane Addam’s was able to create citizens not manage clients (Elshatin, 15). This was not an easy task during such a overwhelming era, this did not stop Addam’s from dedicating her life to help better humanity as a whole, something in which our own governement seems to lack. Jane Addam’s contributions to society were not mainstream at the time, however, if one looks back on her works it is clear to see she was just as crucial to society as say MLK. Indeed that is a large statement to make, however, it is true. Addam’s was open doors to those who were treated unequal by our own government as well as the rest of society. Therefore, it was not so much her writings or sayings she taught that created a path for others but her daily works and dedication to helping others that created such an impact on America. America is known for being a land filled with opportunity for all, a melting pot country, a constitution that promises equal rights for all. We’ve learned throughout the course that America is not always truthful to itself due to greed and self- interest. Jane Addam’s was one individual who refused to let the outside tamper her true beliefs, something most of us Americans has failed to do, not only has she done this for herself but she always dedicated her life to restoring humanity’s morals at a
time it seemed impossible.
Jane Addams had always been against violence. She was kicked out of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She went to colleges and states all over the United States to spread her message of peace. After a lecture in Wisconsin, she wrote Newer Ideals of Peace. It changed the way that people thought of peace and social justice. Later on, she and
The nineteenth century America was a period of history following a number of long lasting wars and also a whole new start to new changes in society. With the collapse of multiple nations that were in contact towards the United States, it paved the way for the growing influence and development for the United States, spurring military imperialism and conflicts, and advances in scientific exploration and technologies. Because of the ideas and resources that were began to spread, develop and flourish in areas of the western hemisphere, the nineteenth century also saw opportunities in construction, communication, and in particular the transportation systems. But as different aspects of society began to improve and that more and more freedom were in the hands of the citizens and government, the competitive market not only expanded in profit and wealth, but simultaneously faced minor conflicts due to the abuse of their rights and property. Because of the rise of new technological advancements and resources, railroads in the 19th century American society quickly boomed cities and came across as the most dominant source of transportation, as it predominantly played a role in the expansion of industry across the United States. Also, it was a movement most efficient in creating their own monopoly and was quickly adopted by many other countries that sought influence.
...nspired to make a change that she knew that nothing could stop her, not even her family. In a way, she seemed to want to prove that she could rise above the rest. She refused to let fear eat at her and inflict in her the weakness that poisoned her family. As a child she was a witness to too much violence and pain and much too often she could feel the hopelessness that many African Americans felt. She was set in her beliefs to make choices freely and help others like herself do so as well.
Caroline Phelps provides an insightful look into the changing face of America including: The changing American economy, the prominence of the American Fur Company, and a shift in white and Indian relations. The years of Caroline Phelps’ life are some of the most significant years of our countries existence. There were many revolutionary modifications to our country and through this journal we can get a clear perspective of life in the mid 1800’s.
As many women took on a domestic role during this era, by the turn of the century women were certainly not strangers to the work force. As the developing American nation altered the lives of its citizens, both men and women found themselves struggling economically and migrated into cities to find work in the emerging industrialized labor movement . Ho...
Jane Addams and her colleague, Ellen Gates Starr, founded the most successful settlement house in the United States otherwise known as the Hull-House (“Settlement” 1). It was located in a city overrun by poverty, filth and gangsters, and it could not have come at a better time (Lundblad 663). The main purpose of settlement houses was to ease the transition into the American culture and labor force, and The Hull-House offered its residents an opportunity to help the community, was a safe haven for the city, and led the way through social reform for women and children.
Jane Addams was an upper class woman who thought it was her job to help others. Addams was an advocate of immigrants, the poor, women, and peace. In 1889, she created the Hull House, to help female immigrants become assimilated to the American lifestyle by helping them get a job, learn the language, and receive an education. It was no surprise that in 1915, Jane Addams wrote the life-changing article “Why Women Should Vote.”
The mid 19th century was an age of growth like no other. The term “Industrial Revolution” refers to the time period where production changed from homemade goods, to those produced by machines and factories. As industrial growth developed and cities grew, the work done by men and women diverged from the old agricultural life. People tended to leave home to work in the new factories being built. They worked in dangerous conditions, were paid low wages, and lacked job security (Kellogg). It is difficult to argue, however, that the economic development of the United States was not greatly dependent on the industrial revolution.
The early to mid-nineteenth century in America held promise for the young burgeoning nation. Dealing with the growing pains that every new country faces, America would expand its land territory, enter into another war with England, struggle with slavery, and move westward into California and the Northwest Territory. In 1800, America was just 25 years old, an infant in a world made up of mature governments and countries such as England, France, and Spain. Although the Capitol had just been moved from one city center of Philadelphia to another in Washington D.C., America was mostly rural and full of farm...
Numerous of individuals have played an important part in the social work field. However, Jane Addams is an important historical figure in the Social Work field. Jane Addams accomplished many things and it is dynamic to appreciate her life contained by the perspective of society. “Social Work profession is a legacy of Jane Addams” (Johnson, 2005, p. 319). To understand how Jane Addams played important part a person must understand her background. Many individuals do not know who Jane Addams is coming into Sociology or Social Work. Jane Addams was born in Cedarville, Illinois on September 6, 1680 (Jane Addams Hull House Museum, 2009). Social work is more than adoption, or child protection service, child support. It is about changing lives and giving your client support and the appropriate resources not limiting their options. The backgrounds of social work are traced to Jane Addams (Johnson, 2004).
Since the beginning of the 20th century, there have been a number of great revolutionary movements going on in the United States, contributing to a huge spectrum of changes, ranged from American people’s everyday lives, to a more comprehensive view about the world and themselves, even to the national economic system. Those movements had reached a climax in the 1920’s, known as the “The Roaring Twenties”. Accompanied with the changes were conflicts and tensions rising rapidly between the adaptation to new attitudes and the preservation of traditional values. The emergence of the “New Morality”, the development of Science and Technology, and the changes in economy were the three most significant winds of changes leading to the enormous tension in the 1920’s, manifesting in their own distinct ways.
America was a time of rapid growth for people all across the country. The Industrial Revolution began a few years after the Civil War with the invention of steam powered machines. From there, America faced a time of massive expansion and modern industrialized cities popped up across the United States. While there was much success across the nation, such as manual labor becoming easier and a huge population growth, the negative effects of industrialization outweigh the positives. A few of the issues that made industrialization an atrocious time for many was the racism and segregation towards immigrants and unsafe and unfair working conditions/the deprivation of a regular childhood for kids across the nation.
The reader can develop a vivid picture in their head about this specific expansion in America. She provided detailed examples of these advancements, which included transportation vehicles, engines of progress, and farm machines. These descriptions show how gifted the America people are and how they had the capability of inventing new types of machinery from creative ideas and thoughts. The author mentioned that these advancements led to human betterment and a stronger United States. In this era, the United States was competing with Europe and it is amazing to see how the United States managed to surpass Europe with all the creative ideas flowing around. The American people cherished this type of progress. The author’s tone shows how these progressive ideas and inventions were and still are prized. As an American, I was amazed by all the different types’ of machinery that were invented in the 20th century. In my opinion, the railroad seems like one of the most important inventions mentioned because it helped people get from place to place quickly. The invention of trains and
America has dependably been ready with intellectuals and can-doers and the late nineteenth century was no exemption. To me, the most intriguing feature in regards to the advancement throughout the final quarter of the nineteenth century is that appeared relentless. It is not essentially the way that the advancement was happening at a quickened pace, rather it was all about improvement which was momentarily applicable inside the streamlined industrial facilities, administrative workplaces, as well as private homes so as to build proficiency. When it comes to mechanical terms, society was advancing forward at never-before seen amounts. I concur with the content when it expressed “revolution is an abused term” (Bowles, 2011) throughout the late
During the second half of the nineteenth century, frontier was secure and the United States was on the edge of becoming a world superpower. The quick rate of industrialization and expansion westward certainly helped produce this situation. As Mark Twain called the late 19th century the “Gilded age”, which satirizes the greed and political corruption after the Civil War in America. This was the Industrial revolution, the modern America formative period when an agrarian society of minor producers were transformed into an urban society dominated by industrial corporations. Industrializtion