The Progressive Era
The History of Tenements
Tenements in New York City became relevant during the 1850s when “landlords realized that profit could be made for building cheap housing for the poor” (Tenement). During this time, there were no laws for developers to provide certain things such as ventilation, so there wasn’t really a need for it in the tenements. These buildings tend to be associated with overcrowding and poverty. Tenements held multiple, working class families during the 19th century, although in deplorable conditions.
Tenement Conditions
Tenements were the most common home for immigrants due to viable housing being too expensive. Tenements were very dirty and unsafe, leading to unhealthy conditions for immigrants. Shafts with poor ventilation lead to diseases spreading. A testimony by Mrs. J.A. Miller explains how her room was “‘so dark it is impossible to see e
xcept just dimly at the noon hour'” and the shafts were”‘ a breeder of disease because of the refuse thrown down in the air shaft'” (Kalk). This testimony proves that tenements were a space of poor conditions and all kinds of danger. Landlords only cared about profits they made instead of their residents. They tended to not include necessities such as plumbing in order to decrease costs. Diseases were spread in the tenements, and many residents were not applicants of medical insurance. This lead to a huge difference between the wealthy and the poor. The ruined class were mocked and doomed into inevitable pain. Overall, conditions in these tenement houses were filthy and contaminated, which would lead to many more dilemmas.
Results
The contrast between the lifestyles of the upper-class and the lower-class were as clear as crystal. The upper-class lived in extravagant mansions and had the luxury of freedom. However, the lower-class received the complete opposite. They lived in the tenements mentioned previously, and were over-worked. Many of the upper-class lived in a certain area, not wanting to be associated with the factory workers. The same went for the lower-class. However, the lower-class lived close to their factories, reeking with stenches and smoke. There was smaller patches of land offered for the workers, since most space was occupied by the factories. However, there were hundreds of workers compared to the handful of opulent families. Every year, more deceived immigrants moved to America, and competition for these low-paying jobs grew. Thus, the unemployed population grew.
Works Cited
http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/most-americans-arent-middle-class-anymore/
Progress Through Poverty 