GILDED AGE: INDUSTRIALIZATION TOPIC 3 URBANIZATION

Essential Questions Identify and explain migration and immigration patterns that developed from the push-pull effects of industrialization and urban development in the 19th century. Analyze the positive and negative effects of industrialization on urban centers.

WHERE’D ALL THE PPL GO!? Define rural and urban. The urban population grew during the post-Civil War era from 10 million in 1870 to over 30 million in 1900! Although immigration was a huge factor in such growth, many Americans migrated “from the farm to the factory.” Pull Factors: electricity, running water, cultural attractions, and, most important, JOBS! Push Factors: little opportunity in advancement (born a farmer, die a farmer)

URBAN ENVIRONMENT The flood of people to cities led to new developments in housing and transportation, as well as many urban problems. Louis “skyscraper” Sullivan Frank Lloyd Wright: architect Elisha Otis: safety elevator From the horsecar to the subway 1890: horsecars moved 70% of urban traffic Cable cars in San Francisco Frank J. Sprague: electric trolley car Elevated Railroads in Chicago Boston, then New York, got the traffic off the streets with the first subway systems in America

Flatiron Bldg NYC

SQUALID CONDITIONS City sewer and water facilities could not meet the quickly expanding needs, and the tremendous amount of waste strained sanitation systems. Garbage piled up on porches and in the streets, creating an overwhelming stench and attracting hordes of disease-carrying rodents. By the late 1870s, New York City leaders passed laws regulating city housing and established minimal standards of plumbing and ventilation. The regulations, though, were rarely enforced. The substandard living conditions led to an outbreak of health problems. Infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, were prevalent among the residents of the lower-class tenements. By 1900, three out of five babies in Chicago’s poorer neighborhoods died within their first year.

- Brooklyn Bridge completed in 1883 made possible longer commutes between residential neighborhoods and the center city

ESSENTIAL CONCLUSIONS Massive population growth in urban areas led to unique problems in housing, transportation, sanitation, etc.; furthermore, local and state officials were not prepared to deal with the multitude of problems and people. Despite the squalid conditions in which city-dwellers lived and worked, the cities provided opportunity and entertainment, as well as hope.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES IMMIGRANT CONDITIONS TENEMENT HOUSING