Which trend were Jacob Riis's photographs aimed to reveal to society?

Jacob Riis's photographs primarily aimed to expose the stark realities of life in impoverished communities, thereby highlighting the growing gap between the wealthy and the poor during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through his work, particularly in his book "How the Other Half Lives," Riis captured images of tenements, overcrowded living conditions, and the struggles faced by the urban poor. His intention was to provide a visual representation of the social injustices and harsh living conditions that many people experienced, contrasting it with the wealth and comfort enjoyed by the upper class.

This focus on the disparity between socioeconomic classes galvanized public awareness and action, ultimately contributing to social reform movements aimed at improving living conditions for the poor. While industrialization, urban expansion, and immigration were all relevant contextually, the core message of Riis's photography revolved around the pressing issues of poverty and social inequality, making the emphasis on the gap between the wealthy and the poor particularly significant.