Urbanization and Immigration in the late 19 th and Early 20 th Century.
Discipline: History
Type of Paper: Creative writing
Academic Level: Undergrad. (yrs 1-2)
Paper Format: Not applicable
Question
Description
Read chapter 19 in U.S. History and watch the video "Moving to the City." Then read the excerpt from Jacob Riis' How the Other Half Lives and respond to the questions below.
"Moving to the City" link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxemBkHyPbI&list=PLwWyRUZaJD0nCgqLfndvtHtHWZF-onCT4&index=4
http://www.americanyawp.com/reader/18-industrial-america/jacob-riis-how-the-other-half-lives-1890/
1. How would you characterize Riis' description of the living conditions of the urban working class in the late 19th c.? Give examples.
2. To what does Riis attribute the conditions? Do you think he exaggerates? Explain.
3. What, according to Riis, must happen to change the circumstances he describes? Was he being realistic in this? Explain.
4. Why would workers choose to live under such conditions? Did they really have a choice?
5. Was there a positive side to this situation? If so, what?
