Unit 6

The development of cities relies on key conditions such as agricultural surplus, labor specialization, a stratified social system, food storage and distribution, and centralized governance. Separating religious and ruling systems is not essential for city emergence. North American cities pre-1850 were primarily located near navigable waterways for trade and transportation.

Cities can be classified into types, including primate cities, world cities, forward capitals, entrepots, and edge cities. Central Place Theory posits that settlements serve a hinterland with varying service ranges. The Rank-Size Rule indicates larger cities have more specialized services due to population demand.

Urban land-use models include the Concentric Zone Model (urban organization around a CBD), Sector Model (linear residential patterns), Galactic City Model (multiple activity centers), and others reflecting unique global contexts like Southeast Asian and African cities.

Urban development faces challenges such as squatter settlements, gentrification (which revitalizes areas but may displace residents), and geographic fragmentation of governance complicating metropolitan coordination. Concerns regarding suburban sprawl include habitat loss and pollution, while Transportation-Oriented Development seeks to promote sustainable urban spaces. New Urbanism advocates for mixed-use developments to reduce dependency on cars. Post-WWII suburbanization was fueled by affordable automobiles and highway expansions, with edge cities reflecting this trend. Latin American cities feature stark wealth contrasts while major cities worldwide are integrated through global networks and processes.