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Jacob Riis

Danish immigrant, police reporter, and photographer who documented urban poverty in NYC through his book How the Other Half Lives.

Tenement Life

Living conditions in overcrowded buildings characterized by poor sanitation and high rents despite inadequate facilities.

Urban Population Growth (1860–1910)

The increase in urban population from 6 million to 44 million due to industrialization and immigration.

Skyscrapers

Tall buildings made possible by steel-frame construction, symbolizing urban growth.

Political Machines

Informal political organizations that provided services in exchange for votes, often led by political bosses.

Boss Tweed

Leader of the Tammany Hall political machine known for corruption and scandals in NYC during the late 19th century.

Dishonest Graft

Illegal stealing by politicians; the opposite of honest graft.

Settlement Houses

Community centers providing education, childcare, and social services to immigrants.

Thomas Nast

Political cartoonist whose work highlighted and attacked Tammany Hall corruption.

Realism Movement

Art and literature focusing on everyday life, rejecting romantic themes and showcasing industrial society.

Progressive Reform Goals

Aimed to end corruption, improve urban conditions, and professionalize city government.

Honest Graft

Using insider knowledge legally for personal gain; a concept introduced by George Washington Plunkitt.

Widening Economic Inequality

The growing disparity between the living conditions of the working class and the affluent classes in urban settings.

Immigrant Neighborhoods

Ethnic communities where immigrants settled, often supported politically by machines.

Urban Problems

Challenges faced by cities such as pollution, overcrowding, unsafe working conditions, and weak governance.

Leisure and Popular Culture

New forms of entertainment that emerged, reflecting class divisions and societal changes during urbanization.

Ashcan School Artists

Artists associated with the Realism movement who focused on urban scenes and the lives of the working class.