๐ Topic Summary
Industrialization dramatically reshaped American cities in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The rise of factories and mass production led to rapid urbanization as people migrated from rural areas in search of work. This influx of people caused significant changes in city infrastructure, living conditions, and social structures. While industrialization created new economic opportunities, it also brought challenges such as overcrowding, pollution, and social inequality. The period spurred innovations in transportation, housing, and sanitation, as cities struggled to adapt to their growing populations.
๐ง Part A: Vocabulary
Match the following terms with their definitions:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Urbanization |
A. The process of developing industries in a country or region on a wide scale. |
| 2. Industrialization |
B. The growth of cities and the increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas. |
| 3. Tenements |
C. The departure of middle-class residents from urban areas to suburbs. |
| 4. Suburbanization |
D. A process of population movement from within towns and cities to the rural-urban fringe. |
| 5. Infrastructure |
E. The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, and power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. |
๐ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the word bank: Immigrants, Factories, Pollution, Population, Opportunities
The growth of ________ led to increased ________ in American cities. This attracted many ________ seeking economic ________. The rapid increase in ________ strained city resources and led to increased ________.
๐ Part C: Critical Thinking
How did industrialization both improve and worsen living conditions in American cities? Provide specific examples.