Skyscrapers were invented in the US in the 1870s in major cities like Chicago and New York. They were made of structural iron and steel instead of masonry. Builders faced challenges with safety, wind resistance, ventilation, and transportation within tall buildings. By the late 19th century, skyscrapers were understood to be steel-framed structures. Between 1902-1931, New York competed to build the tallest building, though height became controversial. Downsides of skyscrapers included overcrowding, lack of sunlight, and impersonal cities. Urbanization and immigration overwhelmed housing, leading to widespread slums with unsanitary multi-family dwellings and disease.

1. Urbanization

2. 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

3.  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

4. 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

5. 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?

6. 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)

7.  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.