America the Story of Us Cities

Joseph Fredrickson・2 minutes read

The Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom gifted by France, was assembled in New York with the help of a fundraising campaign led by Joseph Pulitzer. The construction of skyscrapers in New York, fueled by Andrew Carnegie's steel production, led to urban growth but also dangerous working conditions for laborers.

Insights

  • Joseph Pulitzer's fundraising campaign successfully secures donations to keep the Statue of Liberty in New York, highlighting the importance of public support in preserving iconic landmarks.
  • The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 catalyzes significant reforms in workplace safety regulations, emphasizing the critical role of tragedies in driving policy changes for the protection of workers' rights and safety.

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Recent questions

  • How did the Statue of Liberty arrive in New York?

    The Statue of Liberty arrived in New York in 1885 in 214 crates, a gift from France.

  • Who designed the iron skeleton of the Statue of Liberty?

    The iron skeleton of the Statue of Liberty was designed by Gustav Eiffel.

  • What did Jacob Reese expose in New York City slums?

    Jacob Reese exposed deplorable living conditions in New York City slums, showcasing overcrowding and lack of plumbing.

  • What did Thomas Edison invent?

    Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb, transforming daily life.

  • How did the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire impact workplace safety?

    The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911 led to reforms in workplace safety regulations across the US.

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Summary

00:00

"Statue of Liberty: Symbol of Freedom"

  • Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, arrives in New York in 1885 in 214 crates, needing significant funds for reassembly.
  • Joseph Pulitzer, through a massive fundraising campaign, secures enough donations to keep the Statue of Liberty in New York.
  • The Statue's construction involves a 150 ft pedestal, a 151 ft iron skeleton designed by Gustav Eiffel, and 60,000 lb of hand-sculpted copper.
  • The construction of the Statue involves fixing 300 pieces of copper shell with over 300,000 rivets, with her robes having over 4,000 square yards of copper.
  • The Statue of Liberty's face, modeled after the sculptor's mother, is winched into position after 6 months of construction without fatalities.
  • The Statue oxidizes over 25 years, turning green, and becomes a symbol of freedom and refuge for immigrants passing through Ellis Island.
  • Andrew Carnegie revolutionizes steel production in the US in 1872, leading to mass production and a significant drop in prices.
  • Carnegie's steel production fuels the growth of American cities, including New York, with skyscrapers and railroads transforming the landscape.
  • The construction of skyscrapers in New York during the early 20th century involves dangerous work conditions for laborers, with high risks and fatalities.
  • The invention of the elevator and steel frame buildings allows for the vertical expansion of cities, leading to a rapid urban population increase in America.

26:47

"Reese's Exposé Sparks Urban Reform Movement"

  • Jacob Reese, a crime reporter and photographer, exposes the deplorable living conditions in New York City slums, showcasing overcrowding, lack of plumbing, and filth.
  • Reese pioneers nighttime photography using an explosive powder, revealing the reality of poverty to the public.
  • Reese's book, "How the Other Half Lives," sells over 28 million copies, leading to the demolition of slums and the installation of toilets inside apartments.
  • Colonel George Waring, head of New York's sanitation department, revolutionizes waste management, leading to cleaner streets and improved water quality.
  • Thomas Edison invents the electric light bulb, transforming daily life and enabling the operation of factories and stores at night.
  • Edison's widespread implementation of electricity in cities leads to urban growth, with millions of women working in factories by 1900.
  • The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, where 146 people died, sparks reforms in workplace safety regulations, leading to the implementation of the Life Safety Code across the US.
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