Final answer:
Jacob Riis was a journalist and social reformer who used photojournalism to expose the harsh living conditions in New York City tenements with his book 'How the Other Half Lives'. His work led to significant social change, including laws to improve these conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jacob Riis was a journalist and a social reformer who brought significant attention to the plight of poor people living in tenements during the late 19th century. Through his revolutionary work in photojournalism, Riis exposed the dire conditions in which many immigrants and working-class families lived. In his compelling book titled How the Other Half Lives, he showcased the squalor, overcrowding, and the dangers that these people faced on a daily basis.
Riis's photographs served as a powerful tool for social change, eventually leading to the enactment of laws aimed at improving tenement conditions. His depictions of tiny, dark apartments crammed with families, the prevalence of diseases like tuberculosis, and the unsafe structures typical of tenements in New York City highlighted the urgent need for urban reform. As a dedicated reformer, he advocated for the remodeling of existing tenements and the construction of new, safer housing options.
The impact of Riis's work extended beyond his own time, marking him as a pivotal figure in the Progressive Era's fight against urban poverty. His legacy includes the recognition of the importance of living conditions in the health and wellbeing of urban populations, as well as the role that journalism can play in promoting social justice.