Jane Addams: A Look at her Influence on Americna History

Essay by scpoptart05High School, 11th gradeA+, January 2004

download word file, 5 pages 5.0

Write an essay on a person who influenced America during the Guilded Age.

"...Jane Addams combines all the best feminine qualities which will help us to develop peace on earth." These words were the ones describing Jane Addams on the day she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. Jane Addams was, and still is, considered on of the greatest social reformers in American history. She was a woman who fought for the rights and better treatment of immigrants and lower class people till the day she died. Jane Addam's life was occupied with helping other people and she will always be considered an inspiration of the goodwill of our country.

Jane Addams was born in Cedarville, Illinois on September 6, 1860. He father was an officer in the Civil War and served as state senator for sixteen years. The spark that was in her father to help people and fight for what was right was passed on the Addams.

As a child, Addams was not allowed to participate in the normal activities that other children did because of health problems. She had a spinal deficiency and was forced to remain indoors most of the time, where she would spend time with her father. Her dad was the source of most of her political information and he was where she got her inspiration to help others.

She graduated Valedictorian from Rockford Women's Seminary and was granted a bachelor's degree. She wanted to pursue the medical field and work in Philadelphia but was forced to retire her pursuit because of her health problems. While she was taking a break from her career, she traveled around Europe a few times and read up on what she wanted to do with her life. In 1888, during another trip to Europe, Addams was...