MAIN IDEAS Both immigrants and native-born Americans moved to growing urban areas in record numbers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. New technology and ideas helped cities change and adapt to rapid population growth.

VOCABULARY TERMS factor cause mass transit public transportation designed to move a large number of people suburbs residential neighborhoods outside of downtown areas mass culture leisure and cultural activities shared by many people Joseph Pulitzer publisher of New York World newspaper William Randolph Hearst publisher of New York Journal newspaper department stores large retail stores that sell many different types of goods Frederick Law Olmsted landscape architect who designed Central Park in New York City

GROWTH OF URBAN AREAS During the late 1800s many native-born Americans and immigrants moved to cities. By 1900, about 40 percent of Americans lived in cities. The people moving into large cities included new immigrants and rural residents looking for work. Farm equipment replaced workers in rural areas. African Americans from the rural South moved to northern cities. They wanted to escape discrimination and find better opportunities.

Between 1850 and 1900, Chicago grew from 30,000 people to 1.7 million. Many of the new residents were immigrants from southern and eastern Europe. One factor in the growth of Chicago was its location on new railroad lines. These rail lines placed Chicago in the center of the trade in lumber, grain, and meat.

Changing Cities New technology helped cities grow quickly and changed the look of American cities. One way to find space for people to live and work was to build taller buildings. The steel industry grew in the late 1800s. Steel beams became inexpensive enough to use in frames of tall buildings. The invention of the safety elevator made skyscrapers practical.

Skyscrapers made it possible for more people to work and live in the cities. Mass transit developed, allowing people to travel in large numbers. Mass transit let many middle-class residents move to suburbs.

As the publishing industry grew, mass culture developed in the United States. Big cities often had many competing newspapers. The New York World, published by Joseph Pulitzer and the New York Journal, published by William Randolph Hearst, fought for readership in New York City. Huge department stores changed the way people shopped for goods in cities.

The demand for public entertainment led to large fairs and the creation of amusement parks. People also needed open public space in large cities. Frederick Law Olmsted became famous for Designing Central Park in New York City, as well as many state and national parks.