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The Growth of Cities. Pgs. 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.
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The Growth of Cities Pgs. 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.