UrbanizationTurn of the Century

Overcrowding and Slums• As workers came to the cities, the middle-class moved to suburbs.• Previously middle-class homes were converted into tenements: low-

cost rental housing that often barely met minimal living requirements.• Whole families would share single-room apartments.• Often there was no heat or lighting.

Lack of Sanitation and Pollution• No sewage systems.• Contaminated water caused

outbreaks of cholera and typhoid.• Lack of ventilation in tenements

contributed to the spread of disease.• Garbage-collection and street-

cleaning services were inadequate.• Factories and railroads polluted the

air, water, and ground with smoke, ash, and chemicals.

Lack of Sanitation and Pollution

Traffic Congestion• Until the turn of the century, horse-

drawn cars crowded the streets of cities.• This made movement difficult.• Most streets were too small to

accommodate the increased traffic.• Cable car, electric trollies, and electric

subway all helped the flow of traffic.

Vast Differences in Wealth• The rich and the poor lived very close

together.• The rich were famous for throwing

lavish parties, just to display their wealth.• There was tension between the classes

because they were so close together.

Political Corruption• Many American cities were run by

political machines: organizations usually controlled by a leader (boss) that gets citizens to vote for candidates on election day.• People worked for the “machine” in

exchange for political favors.• Political bosses provided jobs and

services to immigrants and other poor residents in return for their votes.

Political Corruption• Political machines used their control of

city governments to make money by overcharging on city contracts (construction, etc.)• Tammany Hall: one of the most famous

political machines, located in NYC.• Named and elected mayors and government

officials.• “Ward Bosses” were assigned to each section

of the city, to gather votes.• Boss Tweed was one of the most corrupted

politicians during this time period.

Political Corruption• Political machines and their bosses

did provide important social services to those in need at a time when government did very little.• They would lend money, provide

jobs, give emergency assistance (food, coal, rent).• Encouraged and helped immigrants

to assimilate and become citizens.

Rise of the Skyscraper• Skyscrapers began to develop as

a result of urban overcrowding.• Used for residential, business,

and industrial purposes.