Women worked to reform society during the Progressive Era. Here are examples of reform that women fought for:

Question

Jane Addams joined the settlement house movement to provide services to struggling families.
Carrie Nation blamed many issues at the time on alcohol consumption and advocated to restrict the availability of alcohol through the temperance movement.
Women also sought the right to vote to make their advocacy more effective on a national level.
In your opinion, which of the above examples do you feel was the most important to fight for at that time and why? I say Jane Addams

Answer 1

I agree that Jane Addams’ work in the settlement house movement was incredibly significant during the Progressive Era. Her commitment to providing services like education, healthcare, and job training to impoverished communities had a profound impact on individuals and families struggling in urban environments.

Settlement houses, notably Hull House in Chicago, not only addressed immediate needs but also served as centers for advocacy and social reform. They facilitated a better understanding of the challenges faced by immigrant populations and the working poor, which helped to inform broader social reforms at the local and national levels.

Moreover, Addams’ approach emphasized the importance of community and collaboration, aligning with the Progressive Era's focus on addressing social injustices through grassroots efforts. By empowering women and marginalized groups, she also laid the groundwork for future activism, including the women's suffrage movement, as many of the women involved in settlement houses became active in advocating for voting rights.

While all three examples are significant in their own right, Addams’ contributions created a framework for comprehensive reform that tackled various societal issues. Her holistic approach to social welfare and community engagement was essential for addressing the multifaceted problems of her time and set a precedent for future reforms.

Answer 2

One sentence

Answer 3

Jane Addams’ work in the settlement house movement was the most important reform effort during the Progressive Era because it effectively addressed the immediate needs of struggling families while also fostering community empowerment and laying the groundwork for broader social change.