A figure I find interesting, Jacob Riis was one of the most consequential muckrakers of the early 20th century and the Progressive Era of the United States. Through the use of a camera, he was able to inspire a movement which would improve the lives of millions throughout our country.

His usage of “low-light flash photography” enabled him to take photos within the terrible conditions of NYC, emboldening the progressives of the middle class to begin the calls of reform (Library of Congress). This new technique enabled higher quality photos, which would figuratively and literally shed light on the conditions with NYC’s interior. Furthermore, these photos and their support from the people led to politicians advocating for reform.

Here is one example of these photos. Here the man is sitting in a rundown area of the city. Compared to today, the photography back then was extremely rudimentary and not used on a wide basis. Not to mention, news was not instantaneous such as what we have today with social media. Therefore, these photographs combined with their context were almost revolutionary in how they rallied people to fight for reforms throughout the country.

This is another photo. It shares the same general setting of the last photo, that being a slum in NYC. The caption of this photo was “It costs a Dollar a Month to sleep in these sheds” (Library of Congress). It was photos along with their captions to provide extra context which inspired reform movements. In this photo, the wider angle which shows the floor and the backdrop also go to show the rest of the slum where people were staying.

In general, Riis’s usage of photography rallied a nation for change and reform within its cities to help people in need. His actions were needed and helped usher in the Progressive era from the end of the Gilded age of America.