Jane Addams was a political and social activist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. She is mostly known for setting up the Hull House in Chicago, she was the first female president of the National Conference of Social Work, she set up the National Federation of Settlements and she was also the president of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Here is a look at some of Jane Addams major accomplishments.
1. Jane Addams Was a Reformer and a Pacifist.
She was very much a part of the establishment. Born to a rich senator, she had a prosperous upbringing. Her father was a friend of President Abraham Lincoln. Despite her privilege, she developed an interest for the weaker sections of the society. Her staunch belief in fairness and doing larger good drove her to establish a center for the poor in Chicago. That became the Hull House. It was one of the first of its kind settlements in the United States. It was definitely the first one in Chicago. The settlement was meant to cater to the poor living in and around Chicago. It was also a place where immigrants could go seeking shelter and help.
2. Hull House Is An Iconic Establishment.
The movement started with Hull House grew and there were more than a dozen buildings over the years. The services offered later included education, child care, public kitchen and many social programs.
3. Jane Addams Served on the Board of Education.
She became the chair of the School Management Committee of the board. She went on to become the first woman president of National Conference of Charities and Corrections which later became the National Conference of Social Work. She was instrumental in setting up the National Federation of Settlements.
4. Jane Addams Championed Peace And Social Reforms.
She traveled and delivered lectures urging the leaders of the world to end war. She published a book called ‘Newer Ideals of Peace’ that shared her views on war, peace and social reforms for the underprivileged. During World War I, she was the leader of the Women’s Peace Party. She was the coauthor of the report titled ‘Women at The Hague: The International Congress of Women and Its Results’ after attending the International Congress of Women at The Hague in the Netherlands.
5. Acknowledged for Her Work.
For her contribution to world peace, Jane Addams was conferred the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.