Urbanization and Immigration

• Immigrants were coming into the U.S. based on Push factors- War, famine, religious percussion, etc.

• Left Europe and Asia- Creates tension in the U.S.

• Nativism-favoring the interest of native-born people over foreign-born people.

• Chinese Exclusionary Act: law enacted in 1882 that excluded all Chinese except students, teachers, merchants, tourist, and government officials to enter into the U.S.

• Gentlemen’s Agreement- Limit Japanese

Increased immigration in the U.S.

Urbanization from U.S.• Pull Factors- People are moving from the

country side to get jobs in the cities.

• Great migration- African Americans leave the south for job opportunities in the North.

• Farmers- leaving the farm for job opportunities in the city- mechanicalization of farm equipment – lose of jobs

Increased farm technology means less farm laborers needed.

Problems and Solutions

• Limited Housing

• Fire Hazards

• Lack of Sanitation

• Transportation issues

• Lack of opportunities for immigrants

• Crime

But there were changes to deal with these issues to improve lives

Housing options for middle class were few and far from

satisfactory.

Row houses packed many single-family residences in a

single block. Uses space efficiently.

The limit of water supply and buildings made of wood contribute to city fires.

Many wooden buildings were replaced with

structures made of brick, stone, and

concrete.

Horse manure piles up on the streets, sewage flows through

open gutters, and factories spew foul smoke in the air.

People dumped their trash into the

streets.

Settlement houses-Community centers in slum neighborhoods that provided

assistance to men, women, and children-especially immigrants.

Progressive social reform- Settlement houses provided educational, cultural, and

social services.

Tenement housing-multi-family residence…cramped living space.

Transportation systems become old and cannot meet the demands of a growing

urban population.

Crime increases in urban areas.

The Social Gospel movement preached

salvation through service to the poor

followers erected churches in poor

communities.

There were increased social opportunities in urban areas. Baseball became a

popular pastime and entertainment. There were theatre and amusement

parks that became popular.

Drinking water is of poor quality

Chlorination and filtration is

introduced to make water safer.

Unskilled laborers can find steady work in mills and factories.