Mod 44

What is the definition of a city?

A relatively large, densely populated settlement that serves as an important commercial, governmental, and cultural hub.

What does the term 'urban' refer to?

Relating to a city.

What does urbanization mean?

The movement of people from rural areas to cities.

How did the first cities emerge?

Cities emerged from permanent settlements that developed as agriculture allowed people to stay in one place.

What is agricultural surplus?

Crop yields that are sufficient to feed more people than the farmer and his or her family.

What is socioeconomic stratification?

The structuring of society into distinct socioeconomic classes.

What initiated the first urban revolution?

Agricultural and socioeconomic innovations led to the rise of the earliest cities.

Where did many of the world's first cities evolve?

In urban hearth areas such as Mesopotamia and the Nile River valley.

What were some necessary elements for dramatic social change to urbanize?

Agricultural surplus and socioeconomic stratification.

What is the significance of the Jenne-Jeno settlement?

It was one of the largest trading hubs of ancient West Africa, occupied from around 250 B.C.E. to 1200 C.E.

What does 'site' refer to in urban geography?

The absolute location of a place on Earth, including all physical features.

What is 'situation' in the context of urban locations?

The relative location of a place in reference to its surrounding features.

What role did the Roman Empire play in the diffusion of urban life?

It spread the concepts and techniques of urban life throughout Europe.

What transportation innovations shaped urban growth?

Railroads, streetcars, subways, and automobiles revolutionized transportation in and between cities.

What is the second urban revolution?

The period of industrial growth and transformation that reshaped cities socially, culturally, and economically.

How did city governance evolve over time?

From basic management of agricultural surplus to complex systems managing infrastructure and services.

How has rural-to-urban migration influenced urban growth?

It has driven the development of cities, especially as people seek better economic opportunities.

What was the impact of industrialization on cities?

It increased urban populations and transformed economic functions within cities.

What are streetcar suburbs?

Settlements outside of a city with streetcar lines allowing easy transportation into the urban center.

What factor is essential for the development of urban land value?

Proximity to the city center and major transportation routes.

What is the primary economic system associated with the growth of modern cities?

Capitalism, in which trade and industry are controlled for profit.

How did the advent of the telephone contribute to urbanization?

It allowed for instantaneous communication, facilitating business operations and city growth.

What were the effects of the decline of the Roman Empire on European cities?

Urban life suffered, as cities became less interconnected and many fell into decay.

What distinguished the nature of employment in early cities from modern cities?

In early cities, work occurred within the home or community; in modern cities, work is typically distinct from home.

What are the current trends in urbanization in developing countries?

People migrate to cities seeking better economic prospects, often facing low-skilled job markets.

What is a key challenge facing modern cities?

Homelessness, poverty, and environmental issues.

What does redevelopment mean in urban contexts?

Activities and policies aimed at revitalizing areas that have experienced decline.

How did Tenochtitlán exemplify early urbanization in the Americas?

As a massive city with advanced infrastructure, it had canals, aqueducts, and a population exceeding 200,000.

What are some examples of major urban hearth areas?

Regions where cities originated, such as Mesopotamia, the Nile Valley, and the Indus River valley.

What differentiated the social roles of men and women in capitalist cities historically?

Men typically worked outside the home and engaged with public space, while women were associated with domestic responsibilities.