DBQ Essay

During the late 1800s and early 1900s reformers used a variety of methods to achieve goals within the U.S. society. These were done to bring change which is why these people were called reformers.

One of the goal reformers had was to abolish child labor. Children were working long restless hours for a little amount of pay. The working conditions were horrendous. They were working in sweatshops that were crowded and disease filled. Children had to work in sweatshops because they couldnt get an education.

Another goal reformers had was to get better working conditions for people working in sweatshops and living in tenements. Tenement living was practically unbearable. People were crowded and there were barely any windows for fresh air. This caused the spread of many diseases. According to document 4 they needed better working conditions.

A method reformers used was photography. They thought this might have had a bigger affect on how people see problems within the society. According to document 2 Jacob Riis was a reformer who used this method.

Another method reformers used was political cartoons. According to document 1, the trust controlled the senate with money and bribery. These political cartoons helped people understand the issue by using symbols to represent something bigger.

Reformers had ideals in standards or values and they were helping the unskilled workers. These unskilled workers were usually women, children, and immigrants.