History is a broad subject. One could study United States history and one could focus solely on Russian history. While all of this history is exciting and important; there have been marginalized groups of people who have never recieved the chance to have their voices heard. One person in history who has been pushed to the side is Jane Addams.

Born on September 6th, of 1860 in Cedarville Illinois, Jane Addams lived a life of luxury. She was a woman of money, who was also known as a woman of compassion. Jane Addams was one of a few women to get her education and go to college. She was not a typical woman. Jane was a worker who wanted to see rapid change in the world. She had some serious connections too, which helped her climb this social ladder. Jane, who was the eighth child of nine kids, was born to a prominent man, who happened to be friends with President Abraham Lincoln. Jane briefly attended medical school, but had to cut it short due to personal health problems. After this, she decided to focus her life on something important, something bigger than herself.

After her schooling, Jane went and visited a special place. This place was called the Toynbee Hall. Toynbee Hall was located in London, England and it was a place to help assist, aid and guide the poor. Jane was profoundly moved by her visit to the Toynbee house and had decided that she would like to bring this to Chicago.

Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr founded the Hull house in 1889. The Hull house provided care for the needy and the immigrant population. Some of the services that were found at the hull house were daycare and educational classes. Some of these classes included learning the English language, technical skills, and learning how to cook. These courses were designed to help the less fortunate get on their feet through education and practical skills. In the Hull house, there were also public services such as baths, playgrounds and some daycare services. The Hull house provided people with an escape from the harsh reality. It also created a community of diverse people who truly worked together to achieve for the greater good. The Hull house became a home and sanctuary to many poverty stricken people.

Jane Addams is a legendary historical figure, but she accomplished even more than just the Hull House. In 1919, she founded an organization: The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. She was a fighter for peace and for the common good of all. She spoke out against World War I and attempted to get President Woodrow Wilson to intervene and create peace among feuding countries. Her pacifism and constant work to better others will last in her legacy.

To thank Jane Addams for all of her hard work, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. She shared this prize with Nicholas Murray Butler. Jane Addams passed away in 1926, she was 74 years old.

Jane Addams will go down in history as one of the most influential peace activists of all time. Or will she? Will history continue to forget marginalized figures such as women, who made such strides in this country.

Keep people such as Jane Addams in mind. Keep her beliefs, her actions, and her accolades at the forefront of your brain. Never forget the strides that she and many other historical figures have made. Keep the forgotten figures and their lessons close to your heart and mind.