The analysis of the immigrants’ impact on the economic, social and political spheres in the second half of the 20th century in New York

The analysis of the immigrants’ impact on the economic, social and political spheres in the second half of the 20th century in New York

Historical background of the New York City: the establishment of the city

 We should start our regional studies research from the short reference to the formation of New York City. Only at the turn of the 20th century, New York City became the city we know today.  In 1895, residents of Queens,the portion of Westchester county called the Bronx, Staten Island and Brooklyn–all independent cities at that time–voted, following a referendum, to “consolidate” with Manhattan  to form a five-borough “Greater New York.” The five boroughs, which were all soon designated counties of New York state, became the basic municipal administrative units. As a result, on December 31, 1897, New York City had an area of 60 square miles and a population of a little more than 2 million people; on January 1, 1898, when the consolidation plan took effect, New York City had an area of 360 square miles and a population of about 3,350,000 people. The total population was 3.4 million by 1900. In 1898, New York City took the political form in which it exists to this day.

 It is necessary to mention some facts about city government.All former city governments in five boroughs were abolished. Instead of that, the office of borough president was created to preserve “local pride and affection,” and its duties from 1901 to 1990 included service on the Board of Estimate, a central financial agency. 

Boroughs maps:

Manhattan

  → The Bronx

      

     ⇾       Brooklyn

   ⇾ Queens

    ⇾ Staten Island

Used sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_New_York_City_(1898–1945)

http://wirednewyork.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21249

https://www.britannica.com