Urbanisation in America

In 1870, the population of New York City was just under 1.5 million. By the turn of the century, the population had more than doubled, tallying just under 3.5 million. Urbanization had taken hold of America and was showing no sign of stopping.

Causes of Urbanization in America

Urbanization is a process in which populations shift from rural areas to more populated urban areas, leading to the growth of urban centers or cities. While urbanization did not begin during the Gilded Age, it was during the Gilded Age that urbanization's rate rapidly accelerated.

Following the Civil War, America entered its Second Industrial Revolution, defined by the rapid expansion of the heavy industry. Industrial giants moved from producing consumer goods to producing machinery used in other factories and agriculture. This led to immigration from rural to urban areas for several reasons. New machinery reduced the need for agricultural workers, but there remained a high demand for industrial workers–new machinery decreased the need for skilled labor.

Immigration from other countries also contributed to the growth of urban populations. Before the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, a steady flow of Chinese immigrants contributed to the growth of Western cities, such as San Francisco. European immigration to urban centers, particularly industrial centers of the North, remained strong until increasingly restrictive immigrant legislation in the 1920s. Most immigrants came to pursue economic opportunities or escape religious and political turmoil in their home countries. A large number went through the immigration processing center at Ellis Island.

Fig. 1 - Ellis Island

Problems of Urbanization in America

As demonstrated in the graph below, cities exploded in size during the Gilded Age. Because of the rapid growth, city officials had little time to worry about urban planning or building codes. They tended only to address health and safety concerns as they came up rather than taking preventative measures. Overcrowding was a major problem they were unprepared to handle.

Before adequate waste disposal systems existed, sewage and trash lined the streets. What had once been small pockets of poverty transformed into slums, defined by their squalor. Because of the unsanitary and crowded conditions, diseases ran rampant. Crime also became an escalating problem, including theft, prostitution, and even violent crime. Police and fire departments expanded to cover the new demand.

Problems of Urbanization in America: Tenement Housing

Oftentimes, the working poor had no option but to live in tenement housing in the slums. Early tenement buildings were single-family residences divided into small apartments meant for entire families. Once these residences ran out, new and cheaply constructed tenement buildings appeared.

Fig. 2 - tenement housing

A lack of regulation meant these tenement buildings were not safe or liveable. Often, families lived in apartments that were no bigger than a single room. Few apartments had windows or adequate ventilation. Indoor lighting and running water were luxuries they could not even imagine having.

Problems of Urbanization in America: Anti-Immigrant Sentiment

As we discussed during the causes of urbanization, immigration from Europe contributed to the rapid population growth in cities. As the Gilded Age carried on, there was a change in the composition of European immigrants. “Old immigrants” were from Northern and Western Europe, namely England, Ireland, and Germany. “New immigrants” were from Eastern and Southern Europe, such as Italy and Russia.

For several reasons, these “new immigrants” faced a significant level of xenophobia. For one, they were less familiar with native-born Americans. There were greater cultural differences, and fewer of them were Protestants. Additionally, there was a growing sentiment among the working class that immigrants were stealing jobs, as immigrants were willing to work longer hours for less. In actuality, companies were taking advantage of immigrants’ desperation.

Additionally, many immigrant families were stuck living in the slums because of the low wages. Ethnic enclaves popped up in specific neighborhoods and served as a respite where immigrants could find a sense of community. Mutual benefit organizations worked to protect members in times of need.

Problems of Urbanization in America: Political Machines

With the growth of cities came the development of political machines. These organizations worked to keep a particular party or individual in power through corrupt methods. For example, some political machines offered employment in exchange for support. These political machines also stole large sums of money from cities.

Benefits of Urbanization in America

Once city officials caught up with the immediate needs of rapid urbanization, they could move on to less immediate needs, such as creating parks in city centers. Using new technologies and methods, cities introduced new forms of transportation, such as elevated trains, trolleys, and subways. With time, cities became the focal points of economic growth, culture, and entertainment.

Benefits of Urbanization in America: American Architecture

During the Gilded Age, there were many firsts for American architecture. New, stronger steel called Bessemer steel allowed for the construction of taller buildings. In 1885, the Home Insurance Building in Chicago became America’s first skyscraper. Meanwhile, in New York City, the Brooklyn Bridge became the first suspension bridge in the country.

Fig. 3 - Brooklyn Bridge

Benefits of Urbanization in America: The Progressive Era

As the Gilded Age turned into the Progressive Era, a group of middle-class reformers stepped up to improve the lives of the urban poor. The Progressives fought for many causes, from the breakdown of political machines to the regulation of tenement housing. Ultimately, they were successful in pushing for a wide range of reforms. Private individuals also founded charities and organizations to compensate for the lack of government aid.

It is important to note that, while the Progressives were well-meaning, they did not always understand the actual needs of the urban poor. For example, as we discussed above, the working poor did not necessarily want the breakdown of political machines. Additionally, not all Progressives were sensitive to the plight of immigrants.