the growth of cities pgs. 230-234 chicago 1892. city growth by 1900 american cities were growing at...
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The Growth of CitiesPgs. 230-234
Chicago 1892
City Growth
• By 1900 American cities were growing at a rapid rate.– Millions of immigrants– Millions moving from rural farms
– By 1920 more people lived in cities and towns than in rural areas.
– As cities grew, so did their problems.
City Problems
• Overcrowded tenements (apartments) with many families living in the same space.
• Disease spread quickly and many people got sick.
• In 1900 in Chicago, three out of every five babies died before they reached the age of three.
• Unsanitary conditions led to many illnesses.
City Problems
• A report issued on tenement estimated that in 1900 there were 960,000 people in Chicago who were without bathing facilities in their homes.
• The Mayor requested the construction of additional public baths which was supported by the Health Department.
• Many laborers paid a 25 cent fee for the use of a bath; many others simply bathed infrequently, particularly in the winter months.
More City Problems
• Crime
• Gangs
• Lack of an adequate police force
• Garbage
• Insects and rats spreading disease
• Fire
Chicago Fire of 1871
• The danger of fire was greater because buildings were built so close together.
• Fires were spread out of control and burn entire city blocks.
• A fire in Chicago burned for an entire day killing around 300 people and leaving 90,000 homeless.
Jane Addams Works for Change
• Jane Addams came from a wealthy family and went to college. Something very few women had done at the time.
• She worried about the growing problems of tenement living in Chicago.
• On a visit to England, Ms. Addams found a solution to help with the problem.
Jane Addams Works for Change
• She visited a London settlement house or community center where people could learn new skills.
• In 1889 Jane returned to Chicago and opened Hull House.
• At this settlement house there was a kindergarten for children whose mothers worked.
• Classes were available ins sewing, cooking, and English.
Jane Addams Works for Change
• Jane worked to improve living conditions in tenements.
• She tried to abolish child labor and improve health and safety conditions in mills and factories.
• Hull House became a model for other community centers.