Growth, Cities, and Immigration: Crash Course US History #25

Summary

In this episode of CrashCourse U.S. History, John Green explores the transformation of America from a rural to an urban society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The video discusses the impact of immigration, the growth of cities like New York and Chicago, and the challenges faced by immigrants. It also touches on the rise of industrialization, the development of tenements, and the emergence of the progressive reform movement as responses to urban issues, all of which shaped modern industrial America.

Takeaways

• 🌾 The script discusses the transformation of the American West through commercial farming, which led to the creation of cowboy myths and Indian reservations.
• 🏙️ The population shift from rural to urban areas was significant, with a notable increase in city dwellers from 20% in 1880 to 68% by 1920.
• 📈 The growth of cities was fueled by the increasing demand for agricultural products, leading to what was termed 'agriculture's golden age'.
• 🌆 New York City and Chicago experienced massive growth, with New York becoming a global symbol of urbanization and industrial power.
• 🌍 Immigration played a crucial role in urban growth, with people from various European countries and later from southern and eastern Europe contributing to the demographic changes.
• 🏛️ The Irish and German immigrants adapted to urban life, taking on various jobs and even starting businesses, significantly impacting American society and culture.
• 🏗️ The construction of tenements and the improvement of transportation systems like elevated railroads and subways changed the urban landscape and living conditions.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The living conditions in cities were often poor, with tenements being overcrowded and unsanitary, leading to health and social issues.
• 🏡 The creation of suburbs and the progressive reform movement were responses to the challenges of urbanization and the growing economic disparity.
• 📜 The script highlights the historical context of immigration, urbanization, and social reform, showing how these factors shaped modern industrial America.

Q & A

What was the impact of commercial farming on the American West?

Commercial farming transformed the American West, leading to the creation of mythical figures like cowboys and the establishment of not-so-mythical Indian reservations.

How did the Homestead Act influence population growth in the late 1800s?

The Homestead Act led to over a million land claims being filed in the 1890s, contributing to a significant increase in populations in states like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, the Dakotas, and Nebraska.

What was the percentage of Americans living in cities in 1880, and how did it change by 1920?

In 1880, 20% of Americans lived in cities, but by 1920, this percentage had risen to 68%, reflecting a major shift from a predominantly rural to largely urban population.

Which city led the way in urban growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

New York City, especially after the consolidation of Manhattan with Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island in 1898, led the way in urban growth.

What was the significance of immigration in the growth of American cities?

Immigration was a significant factor in the growth of American cities, with over half of the 3.5 million immigrants in the 1890s coming from southern and eastern Europe, contributing to the urbanization and diversification of the population.

How did the Irish immigrants adapt to their new lives in American cities?

Irish immigrants, primarily farmers in their homeland, took up low-wage unskilled labor in cities like New York and Boston, with men working in construction and women often in factories or as domestic servants.

What was the role of German immigrants in the development of American cities?

German immigrants, many of whom were skilled artisans, contributed to the urban landscape by becoming entrepreneurs, particularly in the brewing industry, with notable figures like Frederick Pabst, Joseph Schlitz, and Adolphus Busch.

What challenges did Chinese immigrants face in the United States?

Chinese immigrants faced suspicion and discrimination due to their distinct appearance, language, and customs. They were subject to congressionally approved restrictions and vigilante-led riots, despite legal victories like the Yick Wo v. Hopkins and United States v. Wong Kim Ark cases.

How did the Immigration Restriction League influence U.S. immigration policy?

The Immigration Restriction League, founded in 1894, lobbied for national legislation to limit the number of immigrants, reflecting growing anti-immigrant sentiment and contributing to the eventual passage of restrictive laws.

What was the role of tenements in the urbanization of America?

Tenements, multi-story apartment buildings, became prevalent in the 19th century as a response to the influx of immigrants. They often served as both living spaces and workplaces, particularly for piecework in industries like garment manufacturing.

How did the development of transportation systems affect urban living conditions?

The construction of elevated railroads and subways alleviated traffic congestion but also led to new problems like pickpocketing and increased residential segregation, as people could now live further from their workplaces.