Subject:   American Cities, 1850-1900

Reading Level:   Adult / High School

Overview

The United States changed dramatically between 1850 and 1900. The nation moved from a largely agrarian, rural and marginally-connected group of states to an urban, industrial, and more unified country. Manufacturing goods through large-scale factory production was at the core of this transformation. Cities were the center of this change, and migrants, either from rural areas or from overseas, provided the labor. A survey of New England bird’s eye views captures the essence of this changing era.

Relevant Curriculum

• The Rise of Popular Culture in the 19th Century