Progressive Movement Practice Exam

What common role did Dorothea Dix, Jane Addams, and Jacob Riis share?

1. Muckrakers

2. Suffragettes

3. Political leaders

4. Social reformers

The correct answer is: Social reformers

Dorothea Dix, Jane Addams, and Jacob Riis each played a pivotal role in advocating for social reform during the Progressive Era. They were deeply committed to addressing various social issues and improving conditions for marginalized groups in society. Dorothea Dix is recognized for her work in mental health reform, particularly her efforts to improve the treatment of the mentally ill in asylums across the United States. She raised awareness about the inhumane conditions within these institutions and advocated for better care and rehabilitation. Jane Addams is well known for her contributions to social work and her establishment of Hull House in Chicago, which provided various services to immigrants and the impoverished. Her work focused on social justice, education, and improving living conditions for the urban poor, effectively bridging community needs with organized social and community services. Jacob Riis utilized photography and journalism to expose the harsh realities of life in tenement houses in New York City. His book "How the Other Half Lives" highlighted the struggles of the urban poor and helped catalyze reforms in housing and labor laws. These individuals are all recognized for their commitment to advancing social causes and advocating for the disadvantaged, solidifying their shared identity as social reformers.