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Jacob Riis was a Danish-American social reformer, journalist, and photographer, born on May 3, 1849. He is best known for his work in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to expose the harsh living conditions of the urban poor in New York City through his influential book "How the Other Half Lives," which combined his writing with powerful photographs. Riis's advocacy played a critical role in prompting social reform and improving housing standards for the impoverished.

1849–1914·lived 65 years