Jane Addams was a pioneering social reformer and activist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She co-founded Hull House in Chicago, which provided essential services to immigrants and the poor, promoting education and social welfare. Addams was also a prominent advocate for women's suffrage and peace. Her efforts earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931, making her the first American woman to receive this honor. Through her work, she significantly influenced social policies and the role of women in society.