A BRIEF HISTORY OF URBANIZATION

5000-3000 B.C.; Development of the first cities: Agricultural revolution led to a settled way of life (less traveling) Improved farming techniques provided a surplus of food Marketplaces are born – trade and selling. (Sobeys is born!) Cities were small due to transportation limitations

500 B.C.-476 A.D.; Growth of larger cities Transportation improvements led to increased communication between cities Political organizations created order and stability (sometimes) needed for trade deals In the year 100, Rome had a population of 650,000 (wow!)

Post 476 A.D.; the fall of the Roman Empire Political instability – cities were confined to small defendable areas. Urban life in Europe collapsed Urban growth continued in other areas such as Asia.

The Industrial Revolution Mid 18th c to early 19th c England. More efficient farming methods means less workers were required on farms. Investment in industry and transportation Factories needed workers and workers flocked to the urban centers from the rural areas.

Industrial Revolution cont’d: Improved transportation facilities allowed cities to obtain raw materials from previously unobtainable locations. Unfortunately, poor health and sanitation, combined with poor working conditions resulted in high mortality rates in cities, which limited city growth.

20th c to present day: Public health and sanitation services improved resulting in rapid population growth. Improved transportation allowed people to move to the suburbs while still working in the cities – outward growth Invention of the elevator and reinforced concrete allowed for the development of high-rise office and apartment buildings – upwards growth