During the late 19th century, which group benefited most from the poverty that Riis described?

The correct answer reflects the context of the time, where Social Darwinism played a significant role in the societal attitudes and policies regarding poverty and the urban poor. Social Darwinists, who believed in the "survival of the fittest," argued that the struggles faced by the impoverished were a natural segment of societal evolution. They often viewed poverty as a reflection of individual failings rather than systemic issues, which allowed them to justify inequality and the socio-economic status quo.

In this context, while Progressive reformers were primarily concerned with alleviating suffering and improving conditions for the poor, Social Darwinists benefited from maintaining the existing social hierarchies that Riis criticized. By framing the plight of the poor as a natural state of existence, they argued against government intervention, which subsequently reinforced their own socio-economic advantages. Therefore, their worldview thrived amidst the despair and poverty described by Riis, allowing them to argue against social reforms that would assist those in need.