I have visited the homes of the people

“[…I have visited the homes of the people, have conversed with them. I know something… Our authorities may not be able to eradicate all the evils found in such an enormous population. There are no yards, no roof gardens…. ”

“…It is impossible to walk on the sidewalks. There is greater cause for alarm in the bringing of many people into an area of space which is totally inadequate to their convenience. It is a standing menace in case of fire or epidemic…]” Letter to the Editor of the NYT M. R. Birnie May 23, 1899

Too many living here, By Christian Orellana

What it meant to live in NYC in the 19 th century • Overcrowdness • Diseases • Gang Violence

Overcrowdnes s Immigrants from European nations such as Ireland, Italy, Germany were immigrating to the United States Full two thirds of New York City’s population were living in tenement homes

Many tenements began as single family dwellings which then became to 4 or 5 family dwellings. Nicer buildings were called flats, while other buildings had more floors built.

Diseases

Leading causes of death by disease Diarrhea Tuberculosis Pneumonia

Tuberculosis Leading cause of death 1912, the death rate from tuberculosis was approximately 215 per hundred thousand

Gang Violence

The gangs in new york 1. The Bowery Boys 2. The Dead Rabbits 3. The Daybreak Boys

What they did Pick pocket Brawls Fight other gangs Prostitution rings

Time line of NYC Life • 1812 – Tuberculosis leading cause of death • 1840’s – The Bowery Boys form and fight constantly against the Irish Five Points Gang • 1885 – Sanatorium movement growth • 1891 - Anti Spitting Notices put up in street cars • 1900 – 2. 3 million people (two thirds of population of NYC living in tenement homes. • 1901 – Tenement Housing Law passed • 1912 – Death rate of tuberculosis decreases to second