Cities

Frontier Thesis

• Definition: The frontier thesis, proposed by Frederick Jackson Turner, suggests that the American frontier was a crucial factor in shaping a distinctive American character and democracy.

• Evolution: The concept evolved as urbanization increased, highlighting a shift from frontier life to urban centers.

• Migration Factors: Factors driving people from farms to cities include the promise of better jobs and new experiences, especially as cities began to expand rapidly by the 1880s.

Urban Growth

• Statistics: By 1900, New York's population increased from 1 million to 5 million, while Chicago grew tremendously (historical data reference needed).

• Cultural Attractions: Events such as concerts, baseball games, and Chautauquas contributed to the urban allure.

The Historical City

A. Walking City

• Characteristics: Limited in size by walking distance, which forced overcrowding and relocation of residents.

B. Concentric City

• Description: Urban expansion characterized by various zones; growth driven by technology such as streetcars (e.g., light rail) leading to the formation of organized clusters including small ethnic towns.

C. Auto City

• Description: Urban layout focused on the freeway system; cities like Los Angeles and Dallas exemplify this model.

Urban Technology

• Key Technologies:

  • Electric Trolley: First installed in Richmond, VA in 1887, enabling outward city growth.

  • Skyscrapers: Development facilitated by three main technologies:

    • Plate Glass: Strong glass allowing for larger windows and flatter surfaces.

    • Elevators: Made possible by Otis's innovations, essential for accessing upper floors in tall buildings.

    • I-Beams: Supported significant weight, enabling skyscrapers.

Across the Water

Bridge Technologies

• Cantilevered Bridges: Example includes the Eads Bridge in St. Louis (1874).

• Suspension Bridges: Characterized by cables and pillars; the Brooklyn Bridge, built by Roebling, opened in 1883 to significant acclaim.

Construction of the Brooklyn Bridge

• Unique Features: Involved 3 million people; massive engineering endeavor.

Immigration

A. Melting Pot vs. Tossed Salad

• Concept Explanation: The melting pot metaphor suggests that immigrant groups blend into a single identity, while tossed salad represents the retention of distinct cultural identities.

• Statistics: Over 10 million Irish and Germans immigrated, predominantly from Dublin, Hamburg, and Chicago (1895). By 1890, 80% of NYC was foreign-born.

B. New Immigrant Overview

• Definition: New immigrants primarily from Southern and Eastern Europe since the 1880s, contrasting with previous groups from Northern Europe.

• Nativism: Emergence of nativism arose due to differences in culture, language, and political views among new immigrants.

C. Discrimination Against Immigrants

• Discriminatory Legislation: The Chinese Exclusion Act (1880) prohibited Chinese immigration due to labor competition fears.

• Reed-Johnson Bill (1917): Further restricted Asian immigration.

Overcrowding Issues

• Living Conditions: Examined by Jacob Riis in "How the Other Half Lives", highlighting high infant mortality rates and slum conditions; NYC had over 1000 people per acre.

• Comparative Statistics: More crowded than Dickens's London or Bombay.

D. Sanitation Challenges

• Health Risks: Diseases proliferated due to unsanitary conditions, poor waste disposal, and inadequate city services.

• Transportation Issues: Pollution and waste from horses exacerbated sanitation problems.

Crime and Political Machines

A. Crime Rates

• Increase in Crime: Crime rates surged in the 1880s; the prison population also doubled during this time.

• Gang Influence: Examples of gangs include Hell's Kitchen and the Five Points Gang, which were involved in organized crime.

B. Political Machines

• Definition: Political machines emerged organically to help new immigrants navigate urban life, often in exchange for political loyalty.

• Corruption: Widespread corruption exemplified by Boss Tweed of Tammany Hall, with significant siphoning of city funds.

Conclusion

• Urbanization Statistics: In 1860, 16% of the U.S. population lived in cities. By 1900, this figure rose to 33%, highlighting a significant shift from rural to urban society.