Jane Addams American - 1860-1935 - Biography and Key Questions

Oct 19, 2026

Jane Addams (1860-1935) was an American sociologist and settlement worker who helped shape Progressive-era reform. Born in Cedarville, Illinois, she studied economic and social problems in Europe and America and, in 1889, co-founded Hull House in Chicago with Ellen Gates Starr. The settlement aimed to assist poor European immigrants in assimilating to U.S. life through childcare and adult education, supported by Addams’s practical leadership and executive skill. The text includes a short civic example, her major writings, and comprehension questions plus vocabulary and quote discussion.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Biography of Jane Addams

Early life and Progressive era

Education and founding of Hull House

Hull House methods and impact

Civic role, lecturing, and publications

Comprehension Questions

Vocabulary Word Search Terms

Quote and Restatement Task

Jane Addams American, 1860-1935 Jane Addams (1860- 1935) was an American sociologist and pioneer settlement worker. She was born at Cedarville, Illinois, on the 6th of September 1860. Ms. Addams came of age during the Progressive era, a time when many Americans felt it was their duty to reform and improve society. After graduating at Rockford Female Seminary (now Rockford College, located in Illinois) in 1881, Ms. Addams spent several years studying economic and social problems in both Europe and America. In 1889, with Ellen Gates Starr, Ms. Addams established in Chicago, Illinois, the social settlement known as Hull House, of which she became the head worker. The primary aim of Hull House was to help assimilate poor European immigrants to life in the United States. This was accomplished through many methods, including childcare and adult education. The success of this settlement, which was seen as a great factor for good in the city, was principally due to Miss Addams's rare executive skill and practical common-sense methods. Ms. Addams’s personal participation in the life of the community was exemplified in her acceptance of the office of inspector of streets and alleys under the Chicago municipal government. She became widely known as a lecturer and writer on social problems. She published Democracy and Social Ethics (1902), Newer Ideals of Peace (1907), and The Spirit of Youth and the City Streets (1909) . 1. Where was Jane Addams born? 2. Describe the Progressive era. 3. With whom did Jane Addams establish Hull House? 4. Where was Hull House located? 5. What was the primary aim of Hull House? 6. municipal: [a. city](a. city) b. federal c. judicial d. state “What after all has maintained the human race on this old globe despite all the calamities of nature and all the tragic failings of mankind, if not faith in new possibilities and courage to advocate them.” - Jane Addams 7. Restate the quote by Jane Addams (above) in your own words. Word Search Puzzle Terms advocate assimilate Chicago courage established Hull House Illinois immigrants improve Jane Addams municipal Progressive era reform settlement house social problems

FAQs

Where was Jane Addams born?

Jane Addams was born in Cedarville, Illinois.

What was the Progressive era, according to the text?

The Progressive era was a time when many Americans felt it was their duty to reform and improve society.

With whom did Jane Addams establish Hull House, and where was it located?

Jane Addams established Hull House in Chicago, Illinois, with Ellen Gates Starr.

Oct 19, 2026

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