Jane Addams was born in Illinois, along with 8 other children. Growing up, Jane watched her father fight in the Civil War and fight for the people as a state senator for 16 years. Jane had a spinal defect that made her unable to be as active as most kids, so she spent her time watching and learning from her father. Jane continued to use this knowledge during her studies, where she graduated top of her class. After school, Jane took a trip to England with her friend Ellen Starr, where they visited a settlement house. This inspired Jane and Ellen to make a change. On the industrial, poor West Side of Chicago, Jane and Ellen created Hull House. The goal was for educated women to share all kinds of knowledge, from basic skills to arts and literature, with poorer people in the neighborhood. The Hull House offered many opportunities, including basic education, cooking classes, an art gallery, job experiences, and more! The Hull House helped those who needed it most to get set up for their future. While Jane devoted much time and love to the Hull House, she also helped the surrounding community. Jane was essential in setting up a better juvenile system, in establishing labor protection laws for women and children, and in opening kindergartens and playgrounds for children. Jane also spoke out on the US entering WWI, in which she said that people should be able to settle arguments without violence. Jane was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her work and all the peace and kindness she showed to others.