Challenges of Urbanization

The People: why were the three groups below drawn to cities in the Northeast and Midwest?

1. Immigrants
Immigrants were drawn to cities in the Northeast and Midwest because cities were cheaper and more convenient for them to live in. Also, unskilled workers had opportunities for jobs there.

2. Farmers
Farmers were drawn to cities in the Northeast and Midwest because the increase and advancement in farming technology was putting farmers out of jobs, so they went to cities looking for work.

3. African-Americans
African American southern farmers went to cities to escape racial violence, economic hardship, and political oppression.



The Problems: What was done in response to the following five problems?

4. Lack of safe and efficient transportation
In response to the lack of safe and efficient transportation, mass transit networks were created along with new innovations like the streetcar and electric subway. Old transit systems were constantly being repaired as well.


5. Unsafe drinking water
In response to the unsafe drinking water, the methods of filtration and chlorination were introduced. 


6. Lack of sanitation
In response to the lack of sanitation, "scavengers" were hired to sweep the streets, collect garbage, etc, and cities eventually developed sewer lines and sanitation departments.


7. Fire Hazards
In response to fire hazards, full-time professional fire departments replaced the volunteer firefighters, an automatic fire sprinkler was introduced, and wood as a building material was replaced with less flammable materials.


8. Crime
In response to crime, salaried police forces and law enforcement units were created, but they didn't have much impact at the time.