Jacob Riis’s seminal work, How the Other Half Lives, is a key concept in Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH). This publication, through vivid photographs and descriptive text, exposed the squalid living conditions of impoverished immigrants in New York City during the late 19th century. As a primary source, it provides a stark illustration of the social inequalities and urban challenges prevalent during the Gilded Age and Progressive Era.
The significance of understanding Riis’s work within the APUSH context lies in its direct connection to reform movements. How the Other Half Lives spurred public awareness and fueled Progressive Era reforms aimed at addressing poverty, improving sanitation, and regulating tenement housing. It directly influenced policy changes and contributed to the growing sentiment for social justice and government intervention to alleviate the hardships faced by the urban poor. The publication serves as a potent example of muckraking journalism and its impact on shaping public opinion and driving social change.