+ The History of Cities Globally, more people live in towns and cities than rural areas Move to urban area reflects the changing global economy and increasing ease of movement People in MDCs are more likely to live in urban areas than people in LDCs Urbanization can happen quickly today but was not always such a fast process

+ What led to urbanization? 1 st Agricultural Revolution led to more sedentary lifestyle Agricultural surplus and social stratification enable the formation of cities Theories about whether the agricultural surplus or leadership class (urban elite) came first With surplus, urban elite were able to pursue other things besides agriculture

+ First Urban Revolution Innovation of the city Some cities grew out of agricultural villages and some in places previously unoccupied by sedentary people 5 independent hearths Fertile Crescent (Mesopotamia) Nile River Valley Indus River Valley Confluence of Yellow and Yangtzi River Valleys in China Mesoamerica

+ Role of Ancient City in Society Centers of religion, power and economy Marketplace Educational centers Early industry Drew talent, trade and travelers from far distances Population – probably between 15,000 and 20,000 Urbanization diffused Greek cities Roman cities Site and situation important for trade

+ The Second Urban Revolution Coincides with the Industrial Revolution Thousands migrated to cities with industrialization Cities changed Factories/supply facilities Expansion of transport systems Construction of tenements Proximity to a power source very important 2 nd Agricultural Revolution had to happen first Food production had to increase so that people could move from fields to cities Effects of industrialization and urbanization Factories engulfed homes Open spaces became garbage dumps Factory workers lived in overcrowded slums Sanitation systems failed Water supplies inadequate and polluted