As of 2010, more than ⅘ of the American population lived in cities, but this is a relatively recent development. What we know today as the United States were largely rural and agricultural for more than 200 years. The fast-paced industrialization and consequential urbanization of the late 19th to early 20th centuries tremendously transformed the country’s configuration. Following WWII, societies around the world experienced profound changes and the American city is no exception as the 1950s marked the time where more than half of the American population officially lived in urban areas.

Factory war efforts increased labor opportunities for Black people up North and on the West coast, leading to the second Great Migration’s biggest numbers in the 1940s. Their welcome was unfortunately only temporary and Black Americans were not able to keep any real wealth or steady employment after the war. Additionally, the G.I. Bill–which helped many white veterans reach middle class status– was not afforded to Black soldiers who were not shown the same gratitude, whether it be in the North or South. Northbound families often left with very little with them and fearing for their lives, making Northern cities the land of opportunity and alleged safety. The millions of families who made this hard decision are the reason why cities in the industrial north are able to grow and develop.