As you just imagined, life at the turn of the 20th century (early 1900s) was very tough. Many parents didn't make enough money to feed their families, and many children were often orphaned. Look at the picture shown here. How was your mental picture similar? How was it different? What emotions do both pictures evoke (bring to mind)?

Source: Street Arabs in sleeping quarters, Jacob Riis, The Collection of the Museum of the City of New York

The Progressive Reformer Activity

Jacob Riis is a photographer who documented the lives of immigrants and Americans who lived in New York during this time period. Click on the link to examine his famous photos like the one above. These photos may help you with ideas for this activity.

Gallery: Jacob A. Riis

1. Analyze the Jacob Riis photograph above, using the worksheet on the following link:
   Photo Analysis Worksheet PDF. If you cannot download a copy of the worksheet, record your answers in your notes.
2. Write your own brief story about this photo. Imagine what these children are experiencing during this period of immigration, urbanization and industrialization. Explain how these children can be affected by each of these Progressive Era issues.

If you need more inspiration, check out this video about child labor.