Urbanization in the Gilded Age

Heath·

History

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Original Prompt

Can you create a document that includes primary sources for 8th grade social studies tied to Arkansas standards related to urbanization, immigration & ethnic enclaves, and challenges of city life during the United States industrialization & gilded age (1870-1900)

This learning resource explores the impacts of urbanization, immigration, and the challenges of city life during the Gilded Age from 1870 to 1900. It delves into the rapid growth of American cities, driven by the influx of millions of European immigrants and rural Americans in search of factory jobs. Students will analyze primary sources, such as Jacob Riis's observations in 'How the Other Half Lives', to understand the living conditions in tenements, as well as the health and safety hazards associated with overcrowded urban life. The resource encourages critical thinking through a structured routine—See, Think, Wonder—and poses analytical questions about the social implications of urbanization, including the development of immigrant enclaves and the resulting impact on social classes.