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

Bell ringer 10-18-2013

In five sentences for each question, answer the following questions.

In your opinion what would be described as modern day political machine? (can be a person or organization)

How has political machines shaped American politics today?

The Political Machine

also known as a party machine, this organization enticed people to vote for them by offering certain rewards

Most famous organization to use this is Tammany Hall in New York City

Most of the time the political machine would bribe cops, elected officials, and anyone who would take money (graft)

In regards to Tammany Hall, most immigrants benefited from Tammany’s illegal activities because in exchanged for their vote, Tammany Hall would help them. (i.e. Job or better living conditions)

These type of politics also made it’s way to the Federal level as well.

Patronage became a problem, which means that there were unqualified people in civil service government jobs.

Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883 which created a civil service commission to give government jobs based on merit and not politics.