How People Dealt With These Problems

City Life and Problems

Sanitation and Public HealthPublic utilities provided clean water and

sewage service.

By 1900, there were over 3,500 public waterworks nationwide.

TransportationThe cities used the horse car and later the

elevated railway, trolley car, and subway.

The elevator opened up new heights in vertical transportation.

CrimeCities formed police forces.Attempts were made to enforce the Puritan

Sabbath, and restaurants and amusement parks were closed.

Methods identifying criminals, such as the use of photographs, were improved.

Electric lights helped make city streets safer.

PovertyReformers wrote books to appeal to the

public conscience so action, like legislation, could be taken to combat the effects of poverty.

Also, settlement housed were established. They provided services to people in a neighborhood and taught social responsibility.

RecreationParks such as Central Park in New York City

were built as “a great breathing space for the toiling masses.”

Chicago opened a World’s Fair.

Electricity enabled shops to remain open after dark, which stimulated night life.

Adult EducationIn 1876, the American Liberty Association

was founded to encourage “the best reading for the largest number at the least expense.”

MerchandisingDepartment stores were opened. They sold

nearly all kinds of goods in one location.