The Second Urban Revolution was a period of rapid urbanization that took place in the United States and Europe during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This period saw the growth of large cities, as people moved from rural areas to urban areas in search of work and better living conditions. The Second Urban Revolution was driven by a number of factors, including:
* The Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution created new jobs in factories and other industries, which drew people to urban areas.
* The rise of mass transportation: The development of railroads and other forms of mass transportation made it easier for people to move to and from urban areas.
* The decline of rural economies: The decline of rural economies, due to factors such as the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression, also pushed people to urban areas.
The Second Urban Revolution had a profound impact on the United States and Europe. It led to the growth of large cities, the development of new suburbs, and the emergence of new social and economic problems.
The Growth of Large Cities
During the Second Urban Revolution, the population of cities in the United States and Europe grew rapidly. In the United States, the population of cities with over 100,000 people increased from 2.6 million in 1870 to 22.1 million in 1920. In Europe, the population of cities with over 100,000 people increased from 16.5 million in 1870 to 64.2 million in 1920.
The Development of New Suburbs
As cities grew, they began to spread out into the surrounding countryside, creating new suburbs. Suburbs were often seen as more desirable places to live than cities, as they offered more space and less congestion. The development of suburbs was also made possible by the rise of mass transportation.
The Emergence of New Social and Economic Problems
The Second Urban Revolution also led to the emergence of new social and economic problems. These problems included:
* Overcrowding: As cities grew, they became overcrowded, which led to unsanitary living conditions and the spread of disease.
* Poverty: Many people who moved to urban areas were poor and struggled to find work. This led to the growth of slums and the rise of crime.
* Social inequality: The Second Urban Revolution also led to increased social inequality, as the wealthy lived in comfortable suburbs while the poor lived in crowded slums.
The Second Urban Revolution was a period of great change for the United States and Europe. It led to the growth of large cities, the development of new suburbs, and the emergence of new social and economic problems. These problems continue to affect cities today.