Progressive Movement Practice Exam

What social issues did Jacob Riis and Lincoln Steffens address in their works?

1. Criticizing racial injustice

2. Supporting organized labor

3. Exposing poverty and corruption

4. Opposing westward expansion

The correct answer is: Exposing poverty and corruption

Jacob Riis and Lincoln Steffens played significant roles in highlighting the social issues prevalent during the Progressive Era, particularly focusing on poverty and corruption. Riis, through his influential work "How the Other Half Lives," used photography and vivid descriptions to expose the harsh realities of life in urban tenements. He captured the struggles faced by the impoverished, illuminating the dire living conditions and the impact of rapid industrialization on the working class. His work aimed to evoke empathy and drive reforms to address poverty and improve housing conditions. Similarly, Steffens, in his collection of articles titled "The Shame of the Cities," investigated political corruption and the collusion between business interests and city governments. He uncovered how corrupt practices undermined democracy and exacerbated the plight of the poor, emphasizing the need for reform in governance to tackle systemic issues. Both Riis and Steffens aimed to raise awareness about the urgent social problems of their time, using their platforms to advocate for societal change and reform. Their contributions were instrumental in pushing progressive policies aimed at reducing poverty and combating corruption in American cities.