Chapter 25 Questions-Part I

The Urban Frontier

1. What factors led to the growth of cities in the second half of the 1800's?
The urban lifestyle held powerful attractions. Electricity, indoor plumbing, and telephones
made life in the big city more enticing. Engineering marvels like the skyscraper further added to
the seductive glamour of cities. Industrial jobs drew people off their farms and into factory
centers.

The New Immigration

2. Describe the New Immigrants. How did they differ from the Old Immigrants
The New Immigrants came from southern and eastern Europe. They included Italians, Slovaks,
Croats, Greeks, and Poles. Many worshipped in Orthodox churches or synagogues. They were
largely poor and illiterate and not used to democracy.

Southern Europe Uprooted

3. Why did the new immigrants come to America in such large numbers?
They left their native countries because Europe seemed to have no room for them. “America
fever” proved highly contagious in Europe. The United States was painted as a land of fabulous
opportunity. America seemed so promising and because they sought religious freedom.

Reactions to the New Immigration

4. How did political bosses help immigrants?
They traded jobs and services for votes. They often found housing for immigrants, gave them
food and clothing, and helped set up schools, parks, and hospitals in ethnic communities.

Reactions to the New Immigrants

5. Explain the role of the settlement houses in the lives of the immigrants
Settlement houses were houses for immigrants in which they were offered instruction in
English, counseling to help newcomers cope with American big city life, child care services for
working mothers, and cultural activities for neighborhood residents. They became centers of
women’s activism and social reform.

​Narrowing the Welcome Mat

6. Explain the images and message of the political cartoon on pg 550 in your book
Older immigrants trying to keep their own humble arrival in America “in the shadows”. They
sought to close the bridge that had carried them and their ancestors across the Atlantic.

Churches Confront the Urban Challenge

7. What role did religion play in helping the urban poor?

Religion allowed for the establishment of many new places where poor people could
find education, food, and other charitable services because of their faith.
 The Rise of the American City

DIRECTIONS:​ - Please identify the factors that changed the American city in the second half of
the nineteenth century by posting answers to the questions below.

8. How did the growth of industry and large factories shape the character of the American city?
The growth of industry and large factories allowed many new jobs to open. Many people came
into the cities, making the population grow rapidly. Large factories also offered jobs.
9. How did the improved transportation: railroads; streetcars (etc) impact character of the
American city?
Improved transportation is a very important factor that impacted the American city. Improved
transportation made cities more livable by easy commute and increasingly ability. It also helped
with the environment.
10. How did increased immigration shape the character of the American city?
Many immigrants came to America (the New Immigrants) for new opportunities, such as jobs.
They contributed to the American city by forming different ethnic communities. They also
contributed to the population growth of cities.
11. How did architectural changes: skyscraper (etc) shape the character of the American city?
The skyscraper shaped the American city because instead of building out, they could build up
for more room. The skyscraper was originally a form of commercial architecture, but now it has
been used for residential purposes.
12. How did electrical lights for commercial purposes shape the character of the American city?
Electrical lights impacted the city and people in a very big way. It allowed people to have a light
during the day and during the dark. It is one of the most important inventions ever made.
13. How did tenement housing shape the character of the American city?
Living conditions were very poor. Houses were built close together, tenements lacked adequate
windows, poor sanitation, people were crowded into small spaces.
14. How did political machines shape the character of the American city?
Many machines formed in cities to serve immigrants to America in the late nineteenth century
who viewed machines as a vehicle for political enfranchisement. Machine workers helped win
elections by turning out large numbers of voters on election day.