Location

DePauw Libraries, Roy O. West Library Wood Study

Start Date

29-11-2023 1:10 PM

End Date

29-11-2023 1:20 PM

Presentation Type

Essay

Description

The Chicago Fire of 1871 demonstrated the resiliency of one of the United States' largest city. Labeled as one of the most devastating disasters to strike an urban area in American history, the aftermath and recovery efforts proved to be critical in keeping Chicago on the map as an economic hub. Often left out of the documented history on the fire is how class divisions were shaped and reinforced through the redevelopment of neighborhoods and distribution of relief in the resurrection period. This project was aimed to root out how class divisions and wealth gaps were reinforced in Chicago considering the distribution of aid, architectural improvements, and the implementation of fire ordinances.

Comments

Prepared as part of Dr. Barbara Whitehead's HIST 490: History Senior Seminar

Included in

History Commons

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Nov 29th, 1:10 PM Nov 29th, 1:20 PM

The Chicago Fire of 1871: Recovery and Reinforcement of Class Divisions

DePauw Libraries, Roy O. West Library Wood Study

The Chicago Fire of 1871 demonstrated the resiliency of one of the United States' largest city. Labeled as one of the most devastating disasters to strike an urban area in American history, the aftermath and recovery efforts proved to be critical in keeping Chicago on the map as an economic hub. Often left out of the documented history on the fire is how class divisions were shaped and reinforced through the redevelopment of neighborhoods and distribution of relief in the resurrection period. This project was aimed to root out how class divisions and wealth gaps were reinforced in Chicago considering the distribution of aid, architectural improvements, and the implementation of fire ordinances.