| Jane Addams and Hull House (1875-1912) |
|
Sections:- 19th Century Reform
- 19th Century Immigration
- 19th Century Urbanization
- Founding of Hull House
- The Early Years at Hull House
- Children at Hull House
|
| Historical Context
The late 19th century was a period of intense social reform movements, particularly in the realm of women's issues, of which the settlement houses were a product. Attached are two examples of this trend that ultimately spawned Jane Addams' Hull House in Chicago.
Attached Documents
The first document is from a speech by feminist activist Susan B. Anthony who observes that, though women are least likely to succumb to intemperance, they are the worst hurt victims of it. She also states that many women are forced into prostitution out of poverty because they are now allowed any other jobs.
Questions to Consider
1. What gender stereotypes can you identify in Anthony's speech, Social Purity?
2. To what does Anthony attribute most societal evils? Do you agree or disagree with her?
3. What solutions to "social corruption" does Anthony propose?
|
| | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
A primary catalyst of the settlement house movement, 19th century immigration concerned many who believed that American values were being diluted by foreigners who crammed into cities and refused to assimilate as quickly as many would have liked.
Attached Documents
Josiah Strong was a prominent Congregationalist minister from Ohio. He published "Our Country," a comprehensive critique of immigration and urbanization, in 1885.
Questions to Consider
1. What social problems does Josiah Strong blame on the immigrants?
2. How does is Strong's opposition to immigration compare with that of modern opponents? How does it differ?
3. For what reasons does Strong condemn the city? |
| | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
Another primary catalyst for the beginning of the settlement house movement was the rapid urbanization and increasing population evident in American society combined with problems such as overcrowding, filth, and disease.
Attached Documents
This attachment includes an excerpt from Jacob Riis' famous book, How the Other Half Lives,which outlined the miserable conditions of many living in the growing cities.
The photographs below are also from Riis' book and reflect Riis' concerns for children in the cities as well as the cramped living quarters many endured.
Questions to Consider
1. Why, according to Riis, are saloons so attractive to the poor?
2. Summarize Riis' description of the relationship between alcohol and poverty. |
| | | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
Inspired by the first true settlement house, Toynbee Hall in London, Jane Addams and Ellen Starr founded Hull House in Chicago in 1889.
Attached Documents
The attachments include a piece by Addams stating the necessity of settlement houses in fostering democracy and bringing “the other half” into the fold of the human race.
Also included are pictures of Jane Addams and Hull House
Questions to Consider
1. How does Addams link education with the alleviation of poverty?
2. Why does Addams believe that privileged people need a connection to those who are less fortunate? |
| | | | | Citations: | |
|
| Attached Documents
Inluded is an excerpt from "Jane Addams's Own Story of Her Work: Fifteen Years at Hull House," in which Addams describes the founding of Hull House and its early impact.
Also attached is a newspaper article from the Chicago Tribune that highlights the activities at Hull House during its infant stages.
Questions to Consider
1. What life experiences and early observations inspired Jane Addams to eventually found Hull House?
2. What is the mission of Hull House? How do Addams and Starr fulfill that mission?
|
| | | | Citations: | |
|
| Historical Context
As time progressed, Addams and Hull House became increasingly concerned about the plight of children in the Chicago area.
Attached Documents
Attachments include two pieces by Addams that outline the importance of caring for young boys and girls, particularly immigrant children, to ease suffering and facilitate assimilation.
Also included is a newspaper article that outlines the structured play that was encouraged at Hull House.
Note that in the picture the children are lined up on either side of the footrace that is proceeding. Prevalent thought of the era embraced structured physical activity for children as a means to strengthen their bodies and minds and to inculcate American values in immigrant youths.
Questions to Consider
1. What is Addams' general attitude toward immigrants and foreign cultures?
2. According to Addams, what can happen to immigrants who are completely alienated from their home culture and occupations?
3. What does Addams mean when she writes, "while society has made up its mind that it cannot see any body die, it is a little bewildered as to the disposition of the survivors"? How does she try to address this problem?
4. List several aspects Addams' philosophy and the settlement house movement that you find innovative or "before their time."
|
| | | | | | | Citations: | |
|
| Back To Module List Back to Sections |
