QUESTION 1
The Federal Policies that contributed to the expansion of suburban cities throughout the country, including Los Angeles
The National Housing Act of 1934:The expansion of suburban cities in the United States, including Los Angeles, was greatly influenced by several Federal policies. One significant policy was the National Housing Act of 1934, which established the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) (Hayden, 2018). The FHA provided mortgage insurance, making it easier for banks to lend money to homebuyers. This policy encouraged the growth of homeownership by reducing the risk for lenders and making housing more affordable for many Americans.
The GI Bill:Another influential policy was the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill (Hayden, 2018). This legislation provided a range of benefits to World War II veterans, including low-cost mortgages and access to higher education. The GI Bill played a crucial role in expanding suburban cities by enabling returning soldiers to purchase homes in newly developed suburbs. This influx of veterans into the housing market fueled the demand for suburban housing and spurred the construction of affordable housing developments.
The Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956: Additionally, the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 was instrumental in suburban expansion (Fishman, 2018). This act authorized the construction of the Interstate Highway System, connecting urban centers to outlying areas. The highways facilitated commuting between suburbs and central cities, making suburban living more accessible and attractive. The improved transportation infrastructure encouraged further suburban development, as people could live outside the city and commute to work more efficiently.
Fordism’s impact on housing
Fordism, a system of mass production pioneered by Henry Ford, had a significant impact on housing in the United States. Fordism’s principles of standardization, assembly-line production, and mass consumption extended beyond the automotive industry and influenced the housing sector (Fishman, 2018). The application of Fordist principles in housing construction led to the standardization and mass production of homes, making them more affordable and accessible to the working class.
The use of assembly-line techniques in construction allowed for greater efficiency and reduced costs. Modular construction methods, where components were prefabricated in factories and assembled on-site, became more prevalent. This approach increased the speed of construction and lowered labor costs, contributing to the affordability of suburban housing.
Early industries discussed by Soja and Scott regarding the economic development of Los Angeles prior to WWII
In their analysis of the economic development of Los Angeles prior to World War II, Soja and Scott highlight several key industries. One of the prominent industries was oil (Scott, 2018). The discovery of oil in the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries spurred rapid growth and attracted investment. The extraction and refining of oil created employment opportunities and stimulated economic development in the Los Angeles area.
Another significant industry was agriculture (Scott, 2018). Los Angeles benefited from a favorable climate and fertile land, making it suitable for various crops, including citrus fruits, vegetables, and grains. The agricultural sector thrived, providing a stable foundation for the region’s economy.
The film industry, often referred to as Hollywood, emerged as a major economic force during this period (Soja, 2018). The production of movies and related activities such as film studios, theaters, and distribution networks brought substantial economic growth to Los Angeles. The film industry attracted a large workforce and generated significant revenue, contributing to the overall economic development of the city.
Bibliography
Fishman, R. (2018). Fordism. In International Encyclopedia of Geography: People, the Earth, Environment and Technology (pp. 1-6). Wiley.
Hayden, D. (2018). Federal Housing Administration. In International Encyclopedia of Geography: People, the Earth, Environment and Technology (pp. 1-6). Wiley.
L.A. History: A Digital History Project for the Los Angeles Region. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://laassub.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=51dc189e7dfe4a50a8fadd2c301d4ee4
Scott, A. J. (2018). Production of Space, The. In International Encyclopedia of Geography: People, the Earth, Environment and Technology (pp. 1-8). Wiley.
Soja, E. W. (2018). Los Angeles. In International Encyclopedia of Geography: People, the Earth, Environment and Technology (pp. 1-14). Wiley.
QUESTION 2:
Conditions of cities in the U.S. in the Industrial era
During the Industrial era in the United States, cities faced numerous challenges due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. The influx of rural migrants seeking employment in factories led to overcrowding, inadequate housing, and poor sanitation conditions in many cities (Daunton, 2018). Tenement housing, characterized by cramped living spaces, lack of ventilation, and inadequate sanitation facilities, became prevalent in urban areas.
Industrialization also resulted in increased pollution and environmental degradation. Factories and industrial activities released harmful pollutants into the air and water, contributing to health hazards and environmental damage. The lack of effective regulations and oversight exacerbated these issues, leading to deteriorating living conditions in many cities.
Efforts by city leaders and early planning initiatives to improve the conditions of cities approaching the twentieth century
Approaching the twentieth century, city leaders and planning initiatives recognized the need to address the challenges of urbanization and improve living conditions. The City Beautiful movement, prominent during this period, emphasized the importance of aesthetics and urban design in creating livable cities (Carr, 2019). Leaders sought to beautify cities by developing public parks, boulevards, and civic buildings.
Progressive Era reforms also played a significant role in addressing urban issues. Activists and policymakers pushed for better housing regulations, sanitation standards, and public health initiatives (Glaeser, 2018). Housing reform efforts aimed to improve tenement conditions and establish building codes to ensure adequate living spaces for residents. Public health initiatives focused on improving sanitation, water supply, and waste management systems to enhance public well-being.
Role of parks in New York and Milwaukee in this era
Parks played a vital role in improving the quality of life in cities during the Industrial era. In New York, the development of Central Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, transformed the urban landscape (Wilson, 2018). Central Park provided a respite from the dense urban environment, offering recreational spaces, greenery, and opportunities for leisure activities. The park became a model for urban park design and inspired the creation of numerous parks throughout the city.
In Milwaukee, the efforts of city leaders led to the establishment of a park system under the leadership of Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., the son of Central Park’s co-designer. The Milwaukee County Park System aimed to provide accessible and well-designed parks for the city’s residents. These parks not only provided recreational opportunities but also preserved natural landscapes, creating a balance between urban development and green spaces.
Bibliography
Carr, E. S. (2019). City Beautiful movement. In The International Encyclopedia of Anthropology (pp. 1-8). Wiley.
Daunton, M. J. (2018). Urbanization. In International Encyclopedia of Geography: People, the Earth, Environment and Technology (pp. 1-9). Wiley.
Fishman, R. (2018). Tenements. In International Encyclopedia of Geography: People, the Earth, Environment and Technology (pp. 1-6). Wiley.
Glaeser, E. L. (2018). Urban Reform Movements, Late 19th Century. In International Encyclopedia of Geography: People, the Earth, Environment and Technology (pp. 1-7). Wiley.
Wilson, J. H. (2018). Central Park. In International Encyclopedia of Geography: People, the Earth, Environment and Technology (pp. 1-8). Wiley.
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