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Building Suburbia: Green Fields and Urban Growth, 1820-2000

John Parker

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Published in Building Suburbia: Green Fields And Urban Growth 1820 2000

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The suburbs are a defining feature of the American landscape. They are home to a majority of the country's population, and they have played a major role in shaping the nation's social, economic, and environmental history. However, the suburbs are also a relatively recent development. They first emerged in the early 19th century, and they only began to grow rapidly in the post-World War II era.

In his book Building Suburbia: Green Fields and Urban Growth, 1820-2000, historian Kenneth T. Jackson explores the history of suburban development in the United States. He examines the social, economic, and environmental forces that have shaped the suburbs, and he offers a critical assessment of their impact on American society.

Building Suburbia: Green Fields and Urban Growth, 1820-2000

by Dolores Hayden

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4295 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	336 pages

The Origins of the Suburbs

The suburbs have their origins in the early 19th century, when wealthy urbanites began to build summer homes in the countryside. These homes were often located on large estates, and they were designed to provide a respite from the noise and congestion of the city. By the mid-19th century, the suburbs had become a popular destination for middle-class families as well. These families were attracted to the suburbs by the promise of a more spacious, healthier, and more affordable lifestyle.

The growth of the suburbs was accelerated by the development of new transportation technologies. The construction of railroads and streetcars made it possible for people to commute to work from the suburbs, and the invention of the automobile made it even easier for people to get around. As a result, the suburbs grew rapidly in the early 20th century, and they continued to grow even more rapidly after World War II.

The Post-World War II Suburban Boom

The post-World War II era was a time of unprecedented growth for the suburbs. This growth was fueled by a number of factors, including the return of servicemen from the war, the rise of the middle class, and the availability of affordable housing. In addition, the federal government played a major role in the growth of the suburbs by providing subsidies for homeownership and highway construction.

The suburban boom had a profound impact on American society. It led to a decline in the population of urban areas, and it contributed to the rise of a more индивидуалистическое and consumer-oriented culture. The suburbs also became a symbol of the American Dream, and they were often seen as a place where people could achieve their aspirations for a better life.

The Impact of Suburbs on American Society

The suburbs have had a significant impact on American society, both positive and negative. On the positive side, the suburbs have provided millions of Americans with a more spacious, healthier, and more affordable lifestyle. They have also helped to create a more индивидуалистическое and consumer-oriented culture. On the negative side, the suburbs have contributed to the decline of urban areas, and they have led to increased levels of traffic congestion, pollution, and sprawl.

The suburbs are a complex and contested phenomenon. They are a symbol of both the best and worst of American society. They are a place where people can achieve their aspirations for a better life, but they are also a place where problems such as traffic congestion, pollution, and sprawl can be severe.

Building Suburbia: Green Fields and Urban Growth, 1820-2000 is a comprehensive and insightful history of suburban development in the United States. Kenneth T. Jackson provides a nuanced and critical assessment of the impact of the suburbs on American society, and he offers a valuable perspective on the future of suburban development.

Building Suburbia: Green Fields and Urban Growth, 1820-2000

by Dolores Hayden

4.6 out of 5