According to Riis, what phrase best captures the root causes of the problems he observed?

The phrase "In the tenements all the influences make for evil" best captures the root causes of the problems observed by Jacob Riis in his work, particularly in his book "How the Other Half Lives." Riis explored the harsh realities of life in the tenements of New York City during the late 19th century, highlighting the squalid living conditions, overcrowding, and lack of sanitation that characterized these environments.

This statement reflects his view that the systemic issues within the tenements—such as poverty, crime, and lack of access to education—created a cycle of negativity and despair that affected the residents. Riis argued that these conditions did not arise from individual failings but were the result of broader societal neglect and structural problems. The overwhelming influence of "evil" in the tenements illustrates the struggle against the adverse conditions that shaped the lives of the poor, thus capturing the essence of his critique of urban life and his call for reform.

In contrast, the other phrases do not encapsulate the same depth of social critique that Riis provided. "The good life is available for all" assumes an equal opportunity that Riis found lacking in the tenements. "Education is the key for reform" suggests a solution focused on