4. Define the term tenements. What caused so much crowding in neighborhoods? Read Lesson 1 and Topic 11.2: Urbanization in American History textbook. Read City Neighborhoods Defined by status.
Tenements refer to overcrowded, low-quality apartment buildings, typically found in urban areas. These buildings were characterized by small, cramped, and poorly ventilated living spaces, often lacking proper sanitation facilities.
The main reason for overcrowding in neighborhoods was the rapid urbanization and industrialization during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of employment and better economic opportunities, the demand for housing increased drastically. However, the supply of housing could not keep up with the growing population. Consequently, landlords took advantage of the situation and built tenements to accommodate as many people as possible, often resulting in extreme overcrowding.
Additionally, the influx of immigrants, particularly from Europe, during this period also contributed to the overcrowding in neighborhoods. Immigrants faced economic hardships and often had limited options for housing, leading to cramped living conditions in tenements. Discrimination and segregation also played a role in overcrowding, as marginalized and minority communities were often concentrated in certain neighborhoods with limited resources and living space available to them.