Process Paper
The theme for this year’s National History Day contest is Leadership and Legacy. After looking through lists of many memorable historians, the name Jane Addams stood out to me. Last year, I based my project on the research of women’s rights, so I already had previous knowledge about Addams’ work field. Addams was also strongly involved with feminism, which I am inspired by as well. When I began my research, I focused on her personal life and how she gained her empowerment as a young woman. Then, I looked more closely at her achievements and how she utilized her talent. I was very successful in my research because there was so much to learn about Jane Addams. From giving public performances to winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Addams did it all. She had a powerful intellect that helped her co-fund one of the first settlements in the United States, the Hull House in 1889, win a Nobel Peace Prize in 1931, serve as the first female president of the National Conference of Social Work, establish the National Federation of Settlements and serve as president of the Women’s National League for Peace and Freedom. Outside her work as a social reformer, she was a deeply committed pacifist and peace activist. All of these accomplishments could not have been achieved if Addams had not truly stepped up as a leader to improve the lives of those around her. Many supporters were so inspired by her speeches and books and became female activists in her footsteps. Her dedication as a social worker and activist in women’s rights has been carried into the present as an example of leadership and an astounding legacy. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to research a woman that could inspire me to stand up for what I believe in and make an impact on the world.