Chapter 6.2 Urbanization

Americans Migrate to Cities The numbers of Americans living in cities tripled in the years after the Civil War. Immigrants had few options Little money or education Still had better lives Cities offered new & exciting opportunities Cities got fat and then tall In what ways did technology influence the growth of cities?

Separation by Class High Society Middle Class Lived in “districts” within the city Nice houses, w/ servants Men worked in business, women didn’t work Middle Class Doctors, lawyers, teachers Moved out of cities to “street-car suburbs” Growth of “women’s clubs” & other charitable organizations

Cont. The Working Class The Family Economy Rented in tenements worked in factories Parents & sometimes kids worked The Family Economy Typically white men made more $ than women & minorities 2/3’s of working families needed multiple incomes Women take jobs – typically domestic service

Urban Problems Crime & Pollution Machine Politics Cities breed crime – both minor & major Disease & pollution were common challenges Industry had no pollution restrictions Bad sewers & drinking water caused lots of diseases Machine Politics Political machines & bosses Graft – making money dishonestly through your job Tammany Hall – the name of the political machine in New York City run by “Boss” Tweed