Urbanization

Skyscrapers

Skyscrapers were invented in the US during the 1870s in Chicago and New York

The building materials are structural iron and steel, instead of masonry

Builders had to face high risks such as: demanding standards for safety, wind sheer, ventilation, and internal transportation.

By the end of the century, skyscrapers were understood to be steel buildings

Between 1902 and 1931, New York was in a competition to build the highest structure in the world.

The size and height were controversial issues

Downsides to the skyscrapers: concentrated people into certain locations, weakened the sense of the neighborhood, no sunlight, transportation becomes difficult, and city becomes crowded and impersonal

Slums

urbanization and immigration gave newcomers very little options about living space

Slums were everywhere in each major city in the US

People would crowd into tenements, apartment buildings that had few comforts

By 1900 slums became a common occurrence in the United States

One to two family houses were subdivided to fit up to 32 families in one living space

Because of the unsanitary conditions diseases and reduced life expectancy was common in Urban Life