Americans Migrate to the Cities Population growth increased rapidly after the Civil War, and urban areas became especially crowded. Urban development became possible because of the invention of skyscrapers and the materials needed to build them. Congestion, traffic, disease, and pollution became a growing a problem. New methods of public transportation became necessary in big cities.

Separation by Class In developing and modernizing American cities, the separation of classes became distinct and apparent. Wealthy families may have had live-in servants or belonged to charitable organizations. Poor families lived in city tenements and could barely support their families. Working class families may have had all members of the family working, including women and children.

Urban Problems Rapid urban growth brought problems such as pollution and disease, including epidemics of cholera and typhoid fever. Party bosses emerged in the political systems of growing cities. They met the needs of citizens while personally gaining wealth for themselves. Political machines became powerful in the cities and took over the political systems.