Foundations American Civilization 9
Chapter 21 Section 3 Notes
Life in the Changing Cities
Early immigration brought millions of people to America in a short period of time. To create
housing and recreation for everyone, the United States went through a building boom.
What does it mean by “the United States went through a building boom?
Vocabulary
Word
skyscraper
suburb
department store
Vaudeville
ragtime
Definition
Example or Sentence
Foundations American Civilization 9
Chapter 21 Section 3 Notes
Building skyscrapers led to using ________________________________, which carried people
________________________________________________ floors.
Moving People
Traffic became a problem in the cities. To help move people from place to place and offer
inexpensive transportation, cities started using:

Electric streetcars or trolleys: they were fast, ______________, and quiet. Many ran from
the cities to the __________________________________.

Steam driven passenger trains

Subways: ______________________________________electric railways.

Elevated railways: railways above ground

Arched bridges: allowed people to move across _______________________.
Public Parks
City planners wanted to preserve (save) some open land to offer a calm place for city dwellers
(people who live in the city).

Built parks and __________________________

Built __________________________________
Shopping
Department stores allowed people to shop for many different items _______________________.

Macy’s opened a 9-story department store in NYC in 1902.

“Window shoppers” would stop to look at large store displays on street level
Foundations American Civilization 9
Chapter 21 Section 3 Notes
Americans at Play
People had less time to socialize because of their jobs. Over time, new social activities became
available for people to enjoy and relax.
Sports
Baseball: the most popular sport in the country. By the 1870’s, there were professional
teams. African Americans were able to play at first, but were later banned from playing.
Football: Developed from European soccer. Used to be a dangerous sport (in 1908, 33
players died). Players didn’t have to wear helmets. Over the years, stricter rules were
developed.
Basketball: James Naismith, a physical education teacher at a Young Men’s Christian
Association (YMCA) invented the game in 1891. He wanted to develop a game that
could be played indoors in the winter.
Theatre and Other Acts

Immigrants from different cultures came together through music and theatre.

Immigrants contributed to the shows

Railroads helped traveling shows move across the country. “Wild West” shows,
acting groups, and ___________________helped spread American culture to
cities and small towns

Orchestras and opera companies were developed. Large, upscale theatres were
built for their performances. The ______________________attended these
events.
Variety Shows



Vaudeville shows were shows that offered comedy, song, dance, and acrobats
Vaudeville shows provided opportunities to people from many different ethnic
backgrounds
Typically, attended by poor, ________________________________________
Music


Ragtime music and marching bands became popular
Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” was popular and military music by John Philip
Sousa