This was due to a number of factors, including the Industrial Revolution, which led to the creation of new jobs in cities, and the influx of immigrants from Europe, who often settled in urban areas.
As cities grew, they faced a number of challenges, including:
- Overcrowding: As more and more people moved to cities, housing became scarce and overcrowded, leading to the development of slums.
- Pollution: The rapid growth of cities led to increased pollution, from both factories and the burning of coal for heating and cooking.
- Crime: As cities became more crowded, crime rates also increased.
- Social unrest: The rapid pace of change and the influx of new immigrants led to social unrest, including riots and strikes.
Despite these challenges, cities also offered a number of opportunities for those who lived in them. Cities were centers of commerce and culture, and they offered a wide range of jobs, entertainment, and educational opportunities.
Some of the most notable cities in the late 19th century United States included:
- New York City: New York City was the largest city in the United States, and it was a hub of commerce, finance, and culture.
- Chicago: Chicago was a major industrial center and a transportation hub.
- Philadelphia: Philadelphia was a major manufacturing center and a center of education and culture.
- Boston: Boston was a major center of education and culture, and it was home to many literary and intellectual figures.
- San Francisco: San Francisco was a major port city and a gateway to the West.