Growth of Cities
One of the most striking results of the progressive Era was the expansion of cities. Due to the success of the steel Industry under Andrew Carnegie, a new material was available in mass quantities. Steel was vital to the newest addition to American cities: Skyscrapers. High towers like this allowed commerce to rapidly expand, and enabled a higher population density. The higher density, however, caused major sanitation and disease problems. The Government response to this massive issue ultimately changed the makeup of American cities. Sanitation was enforced, maximum capacity for tenements was established, and sewers were constructed. Beginning in New York City, where the problem was the worst, this plan spread around the country, as did the idea of higher towers. This focus of population in the cities, where many rural citizens moved, allowed for the growth in industry that eventually resulted in the world power the U.S. maintains today.