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Essay on Biography of Florence Kelley

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One of the most effective reform techniques is to “investigate, educate, legislate, enforce” (Fee/Brown, 2). This straightforward manner of rectification was summarized and utilized by Florence Kelley during the Progressive Era in the United States. During a period where women lacked suffrage, and most didn’t have steady jobs, Kelley was the head of the National Consumer’s League and had a resume that boasted affiliation with various other esteemed organizations (Verba, 1). She epitomized independence and confidence through both her civil activism and in her personal life. Florence Kelley’s resolve, willpower, and determination set a precedent that is still followed today- nearly 90 years after her death. She was truly a trailblazer of the …show more content…

There were separate lecture halls, libraries, and dormitories for both genders, and the two only coalesced during meals. However, Kelley kept herself occupied with her studies, taking rigorous classes and involving herself in community service and other extracurricular activities. She graduated in 1882, earning her bachelor’s degree in Literature, as well as having her thesis regarding child labor, Some Changes in the Legal Status of the Child Since Blackstone, published in the International Review She then went on to attend the University of Zurich (who admitted her even after she misplaced her degree from Cornell) where she studied law and government (Bienen, 1-“Education”). . While Kelley’s professional life was progressing, her personal life followed suit. While in Zurich, Kelley met a Russian Jewish man who would become her husband. Lazare Wischnewetzky was a medical student at the University of Zurich, as well as an outspoken socialist. Consequently, Florence began to delve deeper into the German Social Democratic Party, creating strong connections with Socialist leaders. One person in particular with whom she grew close to was Friedrich Engels, author of The Conditions of the Working Class in England. Kelley kindled a friendship with him that would last until his death in 1895, at

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