Jane Addams (1860-1935) was a pioneering social reformer who founded Hull House in Chicago in 1889. She sought to help immigrants and the poor through social and educational programs. Addams later became a prominent peace activist and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931. She authored many books and articles and made significant contributions to social work and sociology through her establishment of settlement houses and advocacy on issues like women's suffrage, labor laws, and world peace.