Class Distinction in Early 20th Century American Cities

At the dawn of each century, humans tend to evaluate their place in the world and make attempts to improve their way of life. City dwellers of the early twentieth century utilized new ideas and technology to carve out a way of life that still exists, almost intact, over one hundred years later. David Nasaw's essay "The City at the Turn of the Century" provides an insightful look at the daily lives of these citizens. Major developments of the time included improved infrastructure, public transportation, shopping, entertainment, housing, and food distribution. However, not everyone benefited in the same way at the same time. Better living typically equated to having more money. Budding capitalism inevitably divided rich and poor, even though each city contained enough resources to provide amply for everyone (98).

The ever-growing population in early cities made new technology not only desirable, but necessary. Infrastructure improved through the development of municipal water and sewer disposal systems, along with power grids and telephone networks. This improvement was noticed most readily in areas where the wealthy lived, worked, and were entertained. Limited space led to taller buildings but higher rents. Public transportation allowed workers, shoppers, and tourists to travel more efficiently. Rail systems provided a more cost effective way to ship food, adding a rich variety of new fruits and vegetables to the abundance of material goods. Tourism evolved into a profitable enterprise, as people crowded in to witness the cities' marvels.