American Experience (1988–…): Season 12, Episode 4 - New York: Part IV - The Power and the People - full transcript

Pete Hamill: I REMEMBER ONE
TIME AFTER THE WAR... I WAS ABOUT

TIME AFTER THE WAR... I WAS ABOUT
12... MY FATHER HAD A JOB IN A

12... MY FATHER HAD A JOB IN A
FACTORY ACROSS THE WAY, AND

FACTORY ACROSS THE WAY, AND
BECAUSE HE HAD LOST HIS LEG, HE

BECAUSE HE HAD LOST HIS LEG, HE
HAD A STUMP AND A WOODEN

HAD A STUMP AND A WOODEN
ARTIFICIAL LEG.
AND IN THE SUMMER... AND THERE'S

AND IN THE SUMMER... AND THERE'S
NOTHING QUITE AS FEROCIOUS AS A
NEW YORK AUGUST... HE WOULD WORK

NOTHING QUITE AS FEROCIOUS AS A
NEW YORK AUGUST... HE WOULD WORK
ON THIS ASSEMBLY LINE EIGHT

NEW YORK AUGUST... HE WOULD WORK
ON THIS ASSEMBLY LINE EIGHT
HOURS A DAY, AND HE WAS HOME

ON THIS ASSEMBLY LINE EIGHT
HOURS A DAY, AND HE WAS HOME
THAT NIGHT, AND I HEARD HIM

HOURS A DAY, AND HE WAS HOME
THAT NIGHT, AND I HEARD HIM
WEEPING IN THE DARK AROUND 1:00



THAT NIGHT, AND I HEARD HIM
WEEPING IN THE DARK AROUND 1:00
IN THE MORNING.

WEEPING IN THE DARK AROUND 1:00
IN THE MORNING.
AND I KNEW THAT NO MATTER WHAT I

IN THE MORNING.
AND I KNEW THAT NO MATTER WHAT I
EVER DID... I COULDN'T ARTICULATE

AND I KNEW THAT NO MATTER WHAT I
EVER DID... I COULDN'T ARTICULATE
IT EXACTLY... THAT I HAD TO HONOR

EVER DID... I COULDN'T ARTICULATE
IT EXACTLY... THAT I HAD TO HONOR
THAT PAIN, THAT YOU MUST HONOR

IT EXACTLY... THAT I HAD TO HONOR
THAT PAIN, THAT YOU MUST HONOR
THAT.

THAT PAIN, THAT YOU MUST HONOR
THAT.
I THINK THAT'S WHAT THE CHILDREN

THAT.
I THINK THAT'S WHAT THE CHILDREN
OF IMMIGRANTS DO, ALL OF US.

I THINK THAT'S WHAT THE CHILDREN
OF IMMIGRANTS DO, ALL OF US.
WE KNOW WHAT THEY GAVE UP.

OF IMMIGRANTS DO, ALL OF US.
WE KNOW WHAT THEY GAVE UP.
THEY GAVE UP THEIR COUNTRIES.

WE KNOW WHAT THEY GAVE UP.
THEY GAVE UP THEIR COUNTRIES.
SOME CASES, THEY GAVE UP THEIR

THEY GAVE UP THEIR COUNTRIES.
SOME CASES, THEY GAVE UP THEIR
LANGUAGES.

SOME CASES, THEY GAVE UP THEIR
LANGUAGES.
THEY WORKED AT THE LOUSIEST,

LANGUAGES.
THEY WORKED AT THE LOUSIEST,
ROTTENEST JOBS IN ORDER TO PUT



THEY WORKED AT THE LOUSIEST,
ROTTENEST JOBS IN ORDER TO PUT
FOOD ON OUR TABLES.

ROTTENEST JOBS IN ORDER TO PUT
FOOD ON OUR TABLES.
WE HAVE TO HONOR THAT FOR THE

FOOD ON OUR TABLES.
WE HAVE TO HONOR THAT FOR THE
REST OF OUR LIVES.

WE HAVE TO HONOR THAT FOR THE
REST OF OUR LIVES.
Narrator: IN EARLY DECEMBER

REST OF OUR LIVES.
Narrator: IN EARLY DECEMBER
1883, A 34-YEAR-OLD GERMAN

Narrator: IN EARLY DECEMBER
1883, A 34-YEAR-OLD GERMAN
JEWISH POET NAMED EMMA LAZARUS,

1883, A 34-YEAR-OLD GERMAN
JEWISH POET NAMED EMMA LAZARUS,
APPALLED BY THE RECENT UPSURGE

JEWISH POET NAMED EMMA LAZARUS,
APPALLED BY THE RECENT UPSURGE
OF ANTI-SEMITIC VIOLENCE IN

APPALLED BY THE RECENT UPSURGE
OF ANTI-SEMITIC VIOLENCE IN
RUSSIA, SUBMITTED A 14-LINE POEM

OF ANTI-SEMITIC VIOLENCE IN
RUSSIA, SUBMITTED A 14-LINE POEM
TO HELP THE FALTERING FUND-

RUSSIA, SUBMITTED A 14-LINE POEM
TO HELP THE FALTERING FUND-
RAISING CAMPAIGN FOR THE

TO HELP THE FALTERING FUND-
RAISING CAMPAIGN FOR THE
PEDESTAL OF THE STATUE OF

RAISING CAMPAIGN FOR THE
PEDESTAL OF THE STATUE OF
LIBERTY.

PEDESTAL OF THE STATUE OF
LIBERTY.
THE LIBERTY HER SONNET

LIBERTY.
THE LIBERTY HER SONNET
CELEBRATED HAD NOTHING TO DO

THE LIBERTY HER SONNET
CELEBRATED HAD NOTHING TO DO
WITH THE ABSTRACT POLITICAL

CELEBRATED HAD NOTHING TO DO
WITH THE ABSTRACT POLITICAL
IDEALS THE FRENCH HAD INTENDED.

WITH THE ABSTRACT POLITICAL
IDEALS THE FRENCH HAD INTENDED.
IT WAS LIBERTY AS A BEACON OF

IDEALS THE FRENCH HAD INTENDED.
IT WAS LIBERTY AS A BEACON OF
HOPE, SHINING OUT TO OPPRESSED

IT WAS LIBERTY AS A BEACON OF
HOPE, SHINING OUT TO OPPRESSED
PEOPLES AROUND THE WORLD.

HOPE, SHINING OUT TO OPPRESSED
PEOPLES AROUND THE WORLD.
IT WAS THE FUTURE REACHING OUT

PEOPLES AROUND THE WORLD.
IT WAS THE FUTURE REACHING OUT
TO THE PRESENT TO UNCHAIN

IT WAS THE FUTURE REACHING OUT
TO THE PRESENT TO UNCHAIN
HUMANITY FROM THE SHACKLES OF

TO THE PRESENT TO UNCHAIN
HUMANITY FROM THE SHACKLES OF
THE PAST.

HUMANITY FROM THE SHACKLES OF
THE PAST.
Brendan Gill: THE PROMISE OF

THE PAST.
Brendan Gill: THE PROMISE OF
NEW YORK TO ANYBODY WHO COMES

Brendan Gill: THE PROMISE OF
NEW YORK TO ANYBODY WHO COMES
HERE IS THE PROMISE OF EMMA

NEW YORK TO ANYBODY WHO COMES
HERE IS THE PROMISE OF EMMA
LAZARUS AT THE STATUE OF

HERE IS THE PROMISE OF EMMA
LAZARUS AT THE STATUE OF
LIBERTY.

AND THERE IS A REASON THAT THAT
POEM, WHICH STRUCTURALLY AND IN

POEM, WHICH STRUCTURALLY AND IN
TERMS OF THE WORDS USED, COULD

TERMS OF THE WORDS USED, COULD
BE THOUGHT TO BE VERY

BE THOUGHT TO BE VERY
SENTIMENTAL.
CERTAINLY IT IS.

CERTAINLY IT IS.
AND THEN IT CONTAINS
SOMETHING... THE TEST OF THAT

AND THEN IT CONTAINS
SOMETHING... THE TEST OF THAT
POEM IS THAT IT IS TRUE.

SOMETHING... THE TEST OF THAT
POEM IS THAT IT IS TRUE.
AND THESE "HUDDLED MASSES

POEM IS THAT IT IS TRUE.
AND THESE "HUDDLED MASSES
YEARNING TO BE FREE" DID COME

AND THESE "HUDDLED MASSES
YEARNING TO BE FREE" DID COME
HERE, AND WE DID MAKE THEM FREE.

YEARNING TO BE FREE" DID COME
HERE, AND WE DID MAKE THEM FREE.
IN FACT, NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE,

HERE, AND WE DID MAKE THEM FREE.
IN FACT, NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE,
AT SOME POINT IN YOUR LIFE,

IN FACT, NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE,
AT SOME POINT IN YOUR LIFE,
HEARING THOSE WORDS OR READING

AT SOME POINT IN YOUR LIFE,
HEARING THOSE WORDS OR READING
THOSE WORDS, JUST THINKING OF

HEARING THOSE WORDS OR READING
THOSE WORDS, JUST THINKING OF
THOSE WORDS, YOUR EYES WILL FILL

THOSE WORDS, JUST THINKING OF
THOSE WORDS, YOUR EYES WILL FILL
WITH TEARS.

THOSE WORDS, YOUR EYES WILL FILL
WITH TEARS.
AND WHAT MAKES YOU TEARFUL IS

WITH TEARS.
AND WHAT MAKES YOU TEARFUL IS
THAT TRUTH.

Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III:
"'GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR,

"'GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR,
YOUR HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO

YOUR HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO
BREATHE FREE, THE WRETCHED

BREATHE FREE, THE WRETCHED
REFUGE OF YOUR TEEMING SHORE.
SEND THESE, THE HOMELESS,

SEND THESE, THE HOMELESS,
TEMPEST TOSSED TO ME.
I LIFT MY LAMP BESIDE THE GOLDEN

TEMPEST TOSSED TO ME.
I LIFT MY LAMP BESIDE THE GOLDEN
DOOR.'"

I LIFT MY LAMP BESIDE THE GOLDEN
DOOR.'"
I'LL NEVER FORGET THOSE WORDS.

DOOR.'"
I'LL NEVER FORGET THOSE WORDS.
Narrator: EMMA LAZARUS

I'LL NEVER FORGET THOSE WORDS.
Narrator: EMMA LAZARUS
HERSELF NEVER SAW THE STATUE HER

Narrator: EMMA LAZARUS
HERSELF NEVER SAW THE STATUE HER
POEM SO MOVINGLY COMMEMORATED,

HERSELF NEVER SAW THE STATUE HER
POEM SO MOVINGLY COMMEMORATED,
OR THE EPIC HUMAN TIDE IT

POEM SO MOVINGLY COMMEMORATED,
OR THE EPIC HUMAN TIDE IT
FORETOLD.

OR THE EPIC HUMAN TIDE IT
FORETOLD.
TRAVELING IN EUROPE DURING THE

FORETOLD.
TRAVELING IN EUROPE DURING THE
FINAL MONTHS OF THE STATUE'S

TRAVELING IN EUROPE DURING THE
FINAL MONTHS OF THE STATUE'S
CONSTRUCTION, SHE WAS DIAGNOSED

FINAL MONTHS OF THE STATUE'S
CONSTRUCTION, SHE WAS DIAGNOSED
WITH HODGKIN'S DISEASE.

CONSTRUCTION, SHE WAS DIAGNOSED
WITH HODGKIN'S DISEASE.
PASSING THROUGH THE HARBOR ON

WITH HODGKIN'S DISEASE.
PASSING THROUGH THE HARBOR ON
HER WAY HOME IN THE SUMMER OF

PASSING THROUGH THE HARBOR ON
HER WAY HOME IN THE SUMMER OF
1887, SHE WAS TOO ILL AND WEAK

HER WAY HOME IN THE SUMMER OF
1887, SHE WAS TOO ILL AND WEAK
EVEN TO COME ON DECK.

1887, SHE WAS TOO ILL AND WEAK
EVEN TO COME ON DECK.
SHE DIED IN HER HOME IN

EVEN TO COME ON DECK.
SHE DIED IN HER HOME IN
MANHATTAN THREE MONTHS LATER, AT

SHE DIED IN HER HOME IN
MANHATTAN THREE MONTHS LATER, AT
THE AGE OF 38.

MANHATTAN THREE MONTHS LATER, AT
THE AGE OF 38.
MORE THAN 15 YEARS LATER, ON MAY

THE AGE OF 38.
MORE THAN 15 YEARS LATER, ON MAY
6, 1903, A BRONZE PLAQUE

MORE THAN 15 YEARS LATER, ON MAY
6, 1903, A BRONZE PLAQUE
INSCRIBED WITH HER STIRRING

6, 1903, A BRONZE PLAQUE
INSCRIBED WITH HER STIRRING
WORDS WAS FINALLY AFFIXED TO THE

INSCRIBED WITH HER STIRRING
WORDS WAS FINALLY AFFIXED TO THE
BASE OF THE STATUE.

WORDS WAS FINALLY AFFIXED TO THE
BASE OF THE STATUE.
IT WOULD TAKE DECADES MORE FOR

BASE OF THE STATUE.
IT WOULD TAKE DECADES MORE FOR
AMERICANS TO REALIZE THE FULL

IT WOULD TAKE DECADES MORE FOR
AMERICANS TO REALIZE THE FULL
MEANING OF THE GIFT THE FRENCH

AMERICANS TO REALIZE THE FULL
MEANING OF THE GIFT THE FRENCH
HAD GIVEN THEM.

MEANING OF THE GIFT THE FRENCH
HAD GIVEN THEM.
Reader: "NOT LIKE THE BRAZEN

HAD GIVEN THEM.
Reader: "NOT LIKE THE BRAZEN
GIANT OF GREEK FAME, WITH

Reader: "NOT LIKE THE BRAZEN
GIANT OF GREEK FAME, WITH
CONQUERING LIMBS ASTRIDE FROM

GIANT OF GREEK FAME, WITH
CONQUERING LIMBS ASTRIDE FROM
LAND TO LAND.

CONQUERING LIMBS ASTRIDE FROM
LAND TO LAND.
HERE AT OUR SEA-WASHED SUNSET

LAND TO LAND.
HERE AT OUR SEA-WASHED SUNSET
GATES SHALL STAND A MIGHTY WOMAN

HERE AT OUR SEA-WASHED SUNSET
GATES SHALL STAND A MIGHTY WOMAN
WITH A TORCH, WHOSE FLAME IS THE

GATES SHALL STAND A MIGHTY WOMAN
WITH A TORCH, WHOSE FLAME IS THE
IMPRISONED LIGHTNING, AND HER

WITH A TORCH, WHOSE FLAME IS THE
IMPRISONED LIGHTNING, AND HER
NAME MOTHER OF EXILES.

IMPRISONED LIGHTNING, AND HER
NAME MOTHER OF EXILES.
FROM HER BEACON-HAND GLOWS

NAME MOTHER OF EXILES.
FROM HER BEACON-HAND GLOWS
WORLDWIDE WELCOME.

FROM HER BEACON-HAND GLOWS
WORLDWIDE WELCOME.
HER MILD EYES COMMAND THE AIR-

WORLDWIDE WELCOME.
HER MILD EYES COMMAND THE AIR-
BRIDGED HARBOR THAT TWIN CITIES

HER MILD EYES COMMAND THE AIR-
BRIDGED HARBOR THAT TWIN CITIES
FRAME.

BRIDGED HARBOR THAT TWIN CITIES
FRAME.
'KEEP, ANCIENT LANDS, YOUR

FRAME.
'KEEP, ANCIENT LANDS, YOUR
STORIED POMP!' CRIES SHE WITH

'KEEP, ANCIENT LANDS, YOUR
STORIED POMP!' CRIES SHE WITH
SILENT LIPS.

STORIED POMP!' CRIES SHE WITH
SILENT LIPS.
'GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR,

SILENT LIPS.
'GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR,
YOUR HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO

'GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR,
YOUR HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO
BREATHE FREE, THE WRETCHED

YOUR HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO
BREATHE FREE, THE WRETCHED
REFUSE OF YOUR TEEMING SHORE.

BREATHE FREE, THE WRETCHED
REFUSE OF YOUR TEEMING SHORE.
SEND THESE, THE HOMELESS,

REFUSE OF YOUR TEEMING SHORE.
SEND THESE, THE HOMELESS,
TEMPEST TOSSED TO ME.

SEND THESE, THE HOMELESS,
TEMPEST TOSSED TO ME.
I LIFT MY LIGHT BESIDE THE

TEMPEST TOSSED TO ME.
I LIFT MY LIGHT BESIDE THE
GOLDEN DOOR.'"

I LIFT MY LIGHT BESIDE THE
GOLDEN DOOR.'"
EMMA LAZARUS.

GOLDEN DOOR.'"
EMMA LAZARUS.
Narrator: AT 2:00 ON THE

EMMA LAZARUS.
Narrator: AT 2:00 ON THE
AFTERNOON OF MAY 11, 1896, A

Narrator: AT 2:00 ON THE
AFTERNOON OF MAY 11, 1896, A
PHOTOGRAPHER NAMED WILLIAM HEISE

AFTERNOON OF MAY 11, 1896, A
PHOTOGRAPHER NAMED WILLIAM HEISE
HOISTED A STRANGE-LOOKING CAMERA

PHOTOGRAPHER NAMED WILLIAM HEISE
HOISTED A STRANGE-LOOKING CAMERA
UP ONTO A TRIPOD AT THE SOUTHERN

HOISTED A STRANGE-LOOKING CAMERA
UP ONTO A TRIPOD AT THE SOUTHERN
END OF HERALD SQUARE.

UP ONTO A TRIPOD AT THE SOUTHERN
END OF HERALD SQUARE.
PASSERSBY ASSUMED HE WAS ABOUT

END OF HERALD SQUARE.
PASSERSBY ASSUMED HE WAS ABOUT
TO EXPOSE A GLASS-PLATE

PASSERSBY ASSUMED HE WAS ABOUT
TO EXPOSE A GLASS-PLATE
NEGATIVE, BUT THE CUMBERSOME

TO EXPOSE A GLASS-PLATE
NEGATIVE, BUT THE CUMBERSOME
APPARATUS, THE LATEST INVENTION

NEGATIVE, BUT THE CUMBERSOME
APPARATUS, THE LATEST INVENTION
OF HEISE'S EMPLOYER, THOMAS ALVA

APPARATUS, THE LATEST INVENTION
OF HEISE'S EMPLOYER, THOMAS ALVA
EDISON, DID NOT TAKE STILL

OF HEISE'S EMPLOYER, THOMAS ALVA
EDISON, DID NOT TAKE STILL
PICTURES.

EDISON, DID NOT TAKE STILL
PICTURES.
INSTEAD, EXPOSING ONE FRAME

PICTURES.
INSTEAD, EXPOSING ONE FRAME
AFTER ANOTHER, EACH JUST AN

INSTEAD, EXPOSING ONE FRAME
AFTER ANOTHER, EACH JUST AN
INSTANT APART FROM THE NEXT, 16

AFTER ANOTHER, EACH JUST AN
INSTANT APART FROM THE NEXT, 16
TIMES A SECOND, IT WAS CAPABLE

INSTANT APART FROM THE NEXT, 16
TIMES A SECOND, IT WAS CAPABLE
OF CAPTURING FOR THE FIRST TIME

TIMES A SECOND, IT WAS CAPABLE
OF CAPTURING FOR THE FIRST TIME
THE SPEED AND VITALITY OF URBAN

OF CAPTURING FOR THE FIRST TIME
THE SPEED AND VITALITY OF URBAN
LIFE.

THE SPEED AND VITALITY OF URBAN
LIFE.
Caleb Carr: PEOPLE WERE

LIFE.
Caleb Carr: PEOPLE WERE
TERRIFIED.

Caleb Carr: PEOPLE WERE
TERRIFIED.
WHEN THEY FIRST SAW THESE

TERRIFIED.
WHEN THEY FIRST SAW THESE
IMAGES, THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT

WHEN THEY FIRST SAW THESE
IMAGES, THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT
THEY WERE.

IMAGES, THEY HAD NO IDEA WHAT
THEY WERE.
THEY HAD JUST BRIEF 15-, 30-

THEY WERE.
THEY HAD JUST BRIEF 15-, 30-
SECOND SHOTS OF THINGS, BUT THEY

THEY HAD JUST BRIEF 15-, 30-
SECOND SHOTS OF THINGS, BUT THEY
HAND-TINTED SOME OF THEM TO BE

SECOND SHOTS OF THINGS, BUT THEY
HAND-TINTED SOME OF THEM TO BE
COLOR.

THEY DID HAVE THIS ONE FILM OF A
WALL OF WATER JUST RUSHING AT

WALL OF WATER JUST RUSHING AT
YOU, AND PEOPLE GOT UP IN A

YOU, AND PEOPLE GOT UP IN A
PANIC AND STORMED OUT OF THE

PANIC AND STORMED OUT OF THE
THEATER, I MEAN, JUST CHARGED

THEATER, I MEAN, JUST CHARGED
OUT OF THE THEATER, BECAUSE THEY

OUT OF THE THEATER, BECAUSE THEY
THOUGHT THAT, YOU KNOW, THE WALL

THOUGHT THAT, YOU KNOW, THE WALL
HAD BROKEN DOWN AND THERE WAS

HAD BROKEN DOWN AND THERE WAS
SOME KIND OF TIDAL WAVE COMING

SOME KIND OF TIDAL WAVE COMING
THROUGH THE WALL.
Narrator: MESMERIZED BY THE

Narrator: MESMERIZED BY THE
KINETIC ENERGY OF NEW YORK, THE
FIRST CAMERAMEN CARRIED THEIR

KINETIC ENERGY OF NEW YORK, THE
FIRST CAMERAMEN CARRIED THEIR
EQUIPMENT EVERYWHERE, SHOOTING

FIRST CAMERAMEN CARRIED THEIR
EQUIPMENT EVERYWHERE, SHOOTING
SHORT FILMS THEY CALLED

EQUIPMENT EVERYWHERE, SHOOTING
SHORT FILMS THEY CALLED
ACTUALITIES.

SHORT FILMS THEY CALLED
ACTUALITIES.
REAL-LIFE VIEWS OF ACTUAL PLACES

ACTUALITIES.
REAL-LIFE VIEWS OF ACTUAL PLACES
AND EVENTS, MOST HAD NO PLOTS

REAL-LIFE VIEWS OF ACTUAL PLACES
AND EVENTS, MOST HAD NO PLOTS
AND NO CHARACTERS, AND MOST

AND EVENTS, MOST HAD NO PLOTS
AND NO CHARACTERS, AND MOST
LASTED ONLY A MINUTE OR TWO.

AND NO CHARACTERS, AND MOST
LASTED ONLY A MINUTE OR TWO.
BUT AUDIENCES EVERYWHERE FLOCKED

LASTED ONLY A MINUTE OR TWO.
BUT AUDIENCES EVERYWHERE FLOCKED
TO SEE THEM, ENTHRALLED BY THE

BUT AUDIENCES EVERYWHERE FLOCKED
TO SEE THEM, ENTHRALLED BY THE
SPECTACLE OF THE CITY ITSELF,

TO SEE THEM, ENTHRALLED BY THE
SPECTACLE OF THE CITY ITSELF,
WHICH BY 1900 HAD BECOME THE

SPECTACLE OF THE CITY ITSELF,
WHICH BY 1900 HAD BECOME THE
GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH.

WHICH BY 1900 HAD BECOME THE
GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH.
WHAT THE CAMERAS REVEALED WAS A

GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH.
WHAT THE CAMERAS REVEALED WAS A
CITY THAT NOW HAD THE WORLD'S

WHAT THE CAMERAS REVEALED WAS A
CITY THAT NOW HAD THE WORLD'S
BUSIEST HARBOR, THE WORLD'S

CITY THAT NOW HAD THE WORLD'S
BUSIEST HARBOR, THE WORLD'S
BIGGEST SHIPS AND LONGEST

BUSIEST HARBOR, THE WORLD'S
BIGGEST SHIPS AND LONGEST
BRIDGES, THE WORST SLUMS AND

BIGGEST SHIPS AND LONGEST
BRIDGES, THE WORST SLUMS AND
GRANDEST MANSIONS.

BRIDGES, THE WORST SLUMS AND
GRANDEST MANSIONS.
IT HAD A STATUE 15 STORIES TALL

GRANDEST MANSIONS.
IT HAD A STATUE 15 STORIES TALL
AND A PARK 840 ACRES IN SIZE.

IT HAD A STATUE 15 STORIES TALL
AND A PARK 840 ACRES IN SIZE.
IT HAD TRAINS THAT RAN 100 FEET

AND A PARK 840 ACRES IN SIZE.
IT HAD TRAINS THAT RAN 100 FEET
ABOVE THE GROUND AND LEAPT

IT HAD TRAINS THAT RAN 100 FEET
ABOVE THE GROUND AND LEAPT
ACROSS RIVERS.

ABOVE THE GROUND AND LEAPT
ACROSS RIVERS.
THOUGH THE FILMS SOMETIMES

ACROSS RIVERS.
THOUGH THE FILMS SOMETIMES
CAPTURED GRAND CIVIC CEREMONIES

THOUGH THE FILMS SOMETIMES
CAPTURED GRAND CIVIC CEREMONIES
AND GREAT PUBLIC EVENTS, THE

CAPTURED GRAND CIVIC CEREMONIES
AND GREAT PUBLIC EVENTS, THE
MOST EFFECTIVE WERE THOSE OF

AND GREAT PUBLIC EVENTS, THE
MOST EFFECTIVE WERE THOSE OF
DAILY LIFE.

MOST EFFECTIVE WERE THOSE OF
DAILY LIFE.
ENTRANCED, AS WALT WHITMAN HAD

DAILY LIFE.
ENTRANCED, AS WALT WHITMAN HAD
BEEN, BY THE HUMBLEST AND MOST

ENTRANCED, AS WALT WHITMAN HAD
BEEN, BY THE HUMBLEST AND MOST
ORDINARY OF MOMENTS... A TROLLEY

BEEN, BY THE HUMBLEST AND MOST
ORDINARY OF MOMENTS... A TROLLEY
MOVING DOWN THE STREET, A WINDY

ORDINARY OF MOMENTS... A TROLLEY
MOVING DOWN THE STREET, A WINDY
DAY, A WOMAN'S SMILE... THE NEW

MOVING DOWN THE STREET, A WINDY
DAY, A WOMAN'S SMILE... THE NEW
MOTION PICTURES CONVEYED AS

DAY, A WOMAN'S SMILE... THE NEW
MOTION PICTURES CONVEYED AS
NOTHING ELSE HAD THE MYSTERY AND

MOTION PICTURES CONVEYED AS
NOTHING ELSE HAD THE MYSTERY AND
BEAUTY AND DEMOCRATIC GLORY OF

NOTHING ELSE HAD THE MYSTERY AND
BEAUTY AND DEMOCRATIC GLORY OF
THE MODERN WORLD.

BEAUTY AND DEMOCRATIC GLORY OF
THE MODERN WORLD.
Robert A.M. Stern: MOTION

THE MODERN WORLD.
Robert A.M. Stern: MOTION
PICTURES COME INTO PLAY, AND

Robert A.M. Stern: MOTION
PICTURES COME INTO PLAY, AND
THEY RECORD THE CITY, AND THEY

PICTURES COME INTO PLAY, AND
THEY RECORD THE CITY, AND THEY
RECORD IT IN SUCH A WAY THAT

THEY RECORD THE CITY, AND THEY
RECORD IT IN SUCH A WAY THAT
MAKE IT EVEN SEEM MORE EXCITING

RECORD IT IN SUCH A WAY THAT
MAKE IT EVEN SEEM MORE EXCITING
THAN IT WAS.

MAKE IT EVEN SEEM MORE EXCITING
THAN IT WAS.
BUT CERTAINLY THEY CAPTURED THE

THAN IT WAS.
BUT CERTAINLY THEY CAPTURED THE
IMAGE OF THE CITY IN MOTION AS

BUT CERTAINLY THEY CAPTURED THE
IMAGE OF THE CITY IN MOTION AS
IT HAD NEVER BEEN CAPTURED IN

IMAGE OF THE CITY IN MOTION AS
IT HAD NEVER BEEN CAPTURED IN
THE STILL PHOTOGRAPHS OF AN

IT HAD NEVER BEEN CAPTURED IN
THE STILL PHOTOGRAPHS OF AN
UNDERWOOD AND UNDERWOOD OR

THE STILL PHOTOGRAPHS OF AN
UNDERWOOD AND UNDERWOOD OR
BYRON, WHO OFTEN HAD TO

UNDERWOOD AND UNDERWOOD OR
BYRON, WHO OFTEN HAD TO
PHOTOGRAPH ON A SUNDAY MORNING

BYRON, WHO OFTEN HAD TO
PHOTOGRAPH ON A SUNDAY MORNING
BECAUSE THE FILM MOVED SO SLOW

PHOTOGRAPH ON A SUNDAY MORNING
BECAUSE THE FILM MOVED SO SLOW
THAT IF A CART MOVED BY, YOU'D

BECAUSE THE FILM MOVED SO SLOW
THAT IF A CART MOVED BY, YOU'D
SEE IT AS A SHADOWY THING.

THAT IF A CART MOVED BY, YOU'D
SEE IT AS A SHADOWY THING.
SUDDENLY YOU CATCH THAT CART

SEE IT AS A SHADOWY THING.
SUDDENLY YOU CATCH THAT CART
MOVING AND SEE THE NEW YORK

SUDDENLY YOU CATCH THAT CART
MOVING AND SEE THE NEW YORK
TRAFFIC.

AND SUDDENLY PEOPLE BECOME
ENTHRALLED WITH WHAT IN A

ENTHRALLED WITH WHAT IN A
CERTAIN WAY THEY WERE REBELLING

CERTAIN WAY THEY WERE REBELLING
AGAINST IN THE 19th CENTURY:

AGAINST IN THE 19th CENTURY:
TRAFFIC ITSELF, DENSITY ITSELF.
Narrator: AND YET, EVEN AS

Narrator: AND YET, EVEN AS
MOTION AND CHANGE BECAME A WAY
OF LIFE IN MANHATTAN, AN EVEN

MOTION AND CHANGE BECAME A WAY
OF LIFE IN MANHATTAN, AN EVEN
GREATER TRANSFORMATION WAS UNDER

OF LIFE IN MANHATTAN, AN EVEN
GREATER TRANSFORMATION WAS UNDER
WAY.

GREATER TRANSFORMATION WAS UNDER
WAY.
BETWEEN 1898 AND 1913, THE HUMAN

WAY.
BETWEEN 1898 AND 1913, THE HUMAN
AND PHYSICAL AND POLITICAL

BETWEEN 1898 AND 1913, THE HUMAN
AND PHYSICAL AND POLITICAL
LANDSCAPE OF THE CITY WOULD BE

AND PHYSICAL AND POLITICAL
LANDSCAPE OF THE CITY WOULD BE
TRANSFORMED BEYOND RECOGNITION.

LANDSCAPE OF THE CITY WOULD BE
TRANSFORMED BEYOND RECOGNITION.
DURING THAT TIME, THE ENTIRE

TRANSFORMED BEYOND RECOGNITION.
DURING THAT TIME, THE ENTIRE
WORLD WOULD ARRIVE ON THE CITY'S

DURING THAT TIME, THE ENTIRE
WORLD WOULD ARRIVE ON THE CITY'S
DOORSTEP, AND MOST OF THOSE WHO

WORLD WOULD ARRIVE ON THE CITY'S
DOORSTEP, AND MOST OF THOSE WHO
CAME WOULD BE CHANGED UTTERLY BY

DOORSTEP, AND MOST OF THOSE WHO
CAME WOULD BE CHANGED UTTERLY BY
WHAT THEY FOUND THERE.

CAME WOULD BE CHANGED UTTERLY BY
WHAT THEY FOUND THERE.
BUT IN THE END, NOTHING WOULD BE

WHAT THEY FOUND THERE.
BUT IN THE END, NOTHING WOULD BE
MORE MOVING OR PROVE TO HAVE

BUT IN THE END, NOTHING WOULD BE
MORE MOVING OR PROVE TO HAVE
MORE LASTING CONSEQUENCES FOR

MORE MOVING OR PROVE TO HAVE
MORE LASTING CONSEQUENCES FOR
THE CITY AND THE NATION THAN THE

MORE LASTING CONSEQUENCES FOR
THE CITY AND THE NATION THAN THE
CHANGES THE NEWCOMERS THEMSELVES

THE CITY AND THE NATION THAN THE
CHANGES THE NEWCOMERS THEMSELVES
WOULD BRING TO THE LIFE OF NEW

CHANGES THE NEWCOMERS THEMSELVES
WOULD BRING TO THE LIFE OF NEW
YORK CITY.

WOULD BRING TO THE LIFE OF NEW
YORK CITY.
IN LITTLE MORE THAN A DECADE,

YORK CITY.
IN LITTLE MORE THAN A DECADE,
THE 20th CENTURY ITSELF WOULD BE

IN LITTLE MORE THAN A DECADE,
THE 20th CENTURY ITSELF WOULD BE
BORN ON THE STREETS OF NEW YORK,

THE 20th CENTURY ITSELF WOULD BE
BORN ON THE STREETS OF NEW YORK,
AND NOTHING WOULD EVER BE THE

BORN ON THE STREETS OF NEW YORK,
AND NOTHING WOULD EVER BE THE
SAME AGAIN.

Kenneth T. Jackson: WELL, I
THINK ONE OF THE GREAT THINGS

THINK ONE OF THE GREAT THINGS
ABOUT NEW YORK IS THAT IT'S NOT

ABOUT NEW YORK IS THAT IT'S NOT
A STATIC THING.

A STATIC THING.
IT'S NOT "NEW YORK IS."

IT'S NOT "NEW YORK IS."
NEW YORK IS ALWAYS BECOMING.
IT'S BECOMING PHYSICALLY AS

IT'S BECOMING PHYSICALLY AS
BUILDINGS ARE TORN DOWN AND
CHANGED MUCH MORE SO THAN ANY

BUILDINGS ARE TORN DOWN AND
CHANGED MUCH MORE SO THAN ANY
OTHER AMERICAN CITY, BUT IT'S

CHANGED MUCH MORE SO THAN ANY
OTHER AMERICAN CITY, BUT IT'S
ALSO ALWAYS BECOMING IN TERMS OF

OTHER AMERICAN CITY, BUT IT'S
ALSO ALWAYS BECOMING IN TERMS OF
WHAT IT IS IN SOMETHING WE CAN'T

ALSO ALWAYS BECOMING IN TERMS OF
WHAT IT IS IN SOMETHING WE CAN'T
SEE AND THE CULTURE OF THE CITY,

WHAT IT IS IN SOMETHING WE CAN'T
SEE AND THE CULTURE OF THE CITY,
SO THAT IMMIGRANTS CAME TO NEW

SEE AND THE CULTURE OF THE CITY,
SO THAT IMMIGRANTS CAME TO NEW
YORK CITY, ESPECIALLY IN THESE

SO THAT IMMIGRANTS CAME TO NEW
YORK CITY, ESPECIALLY IN THESE
LARGE NUMBERS BETWEEN THE 1880s

YORK CITY, ESPECIALLY IN THESE
LARGE NUMBERS BETWEEN THE 1880s
AND THE 1920s AND MADE IT THEIR

LARGE NUMBERS BETWEEN THE 1880s
AND THE 1920s AND MADE IT THEIR
OWN, MADE IT A KIND OF PLACE

AND THE 1920s AND MADE IT THEIR
OWN, MADE IT A KIND OF PLACE
THAT THE WORLD HAD NEVER SEEN

OWN, MADE IT A KIND OF PLACE
THAT THE WORLD HAD NEVER SEEN
BEFORE, MADE IT WHERE THERE WERE

THAT THE WORLD HAD NEVER SEEN
BEFORE, MADE IT WHERE THERE WERE
MORE ITALIANS IN NEW YORK THAN

BEFORE, MADE IT WHERE THERE WERE
MORE ITALIANS IN NEW YORK THAN
THERE WERE IN NAPLES.

MORE ITALIANS IN NEW YORK THAN
THERE WERE IN NAPLES.
I MEAN, THERE WERE MORE IRISH

THERE WERE IN NAPLES.
I MEAN, THERE WERE MORE IRISH
THAN IN DUBLIN, MORE GREEKS THAN

I MEAN, THERE WERE MORE IRISH
THAN IN DUBLIN, MORE GREEKS THAN
IN ATHENS.

THAN IN DUBLIN, MORE GREEKS THAN
IN ATHENS.
THAT WAS AN INCREDIBLE

IN ATHENS.
THAT WAS AN INCREDIBLE
EXPERIENCE, BECAUSE THE CITY WAS

THAT WAS AN INCREDIBLE
EXPERIENCE, BECAUSE THE CITY WAS
SO VAST, AND SO MANY OF THESE

EXPERIENCE, BECAUSE THE CITY WAS
SO VAST, AND SO MANY OF THESE
IMMIGRANTS WERE THERE, THAT THE

SO VAST, AND SO MANY OF THESE
IMMIGRANTS WERE THERE, THAT THE
CITY WAS OPEN TO THESE CHANGES,

IMMIGRANTS WERE THERE, THAT THE
CITY WAS OPEN TO THESE CHANGES,
SO THAT EVEN TODAY, WHAT IS NEW

CITY WAS OPEN TO THESE CHANGES,
SO THAT EVEN TODAY, WHAT IS NEW
YORK?

SO THAT EVEN TODAY, WHAT IS NEW
YORK?
IT'S MORE THAN A MOSAIC.

YORK?
IT'S MORE THAN A MOSAIC.
IT'S A NEW KIND OF CITY.

David McCullough: IF YOU WERE
LIVING IN NEW YORK IN THOSE

LIVING IN NEW YORK IN THOSE
YEARS, AT THE TURN OF THE

YEARS, AT THE TURN OF THE
CENTURY, YOU KNEW IT WAS

CENTURY, YOU KNEW IT WAS
HAPPENING RIGHT THERE IN FRONT

HAPPENING RIGHT THERE IN FRONT
OF YOU, IN YOUR VILLAGE.
AND OF COURSE IT DISTURBED MANY

AND OF COURSE IT DISTURBED MANY
PEOPLE.
THEY DIDN'T LIKE IT.

PEOPLE.
THEY DIDN'T LIKE IT.
THEY THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO

THEY DIDN'T LIKE IT.
THEY THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO
RUIN THE COUNTRY, AND THEY WERE

THEY THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO
RUIN THE COUNTRY, AND THEY WERE
WRONG.

RUIN THE COUNTRY, AND THEY WERE
WRONG.
Narrator: IT BEGAN IN THE

WRONG.
Narrator: IT BEGAN IN THE
1880s, SPURRED ON BY POVERTY AND

Narrator: IT BEGAN IN THE
1880s, SPURRED ON BY POVERTY AND
PERSECUTION, BY FINANCIAL PANIC

1880s, SPURRED ON BY POVERTY AND
PERSECUTION, BY FINANCIAL PANIC
AND POLITICAL UPHEAVAL, BY

PERSECUTION, BY FINANCIAL PANIC
AND POLITICAL UPHEAVAL, BY
FAMILY STRIFE AND PERSONAL WOE.

AND POLITICAL UPHEAVAL, BY
FAMILY STRIFE AND PERSONAL WOE.
THEY CAME NOT FROM NORTHERN

FAMILY STRIFE AND PERSONAL WOE.
THEY CAME NOT FROM NORTHERN
EUROPE THIS TIME, BUT FROM THE

THEY CAME NOT FROM NORTHERN
EUROPE THIS TIME, BUT FROM THE
EAST AND FROM THE SOUTH:

EUROPE THIS TIME, BUT FROM THE
ITALIANS, JEWS, GREEKS, AND

ITALIANS, JEWS, GREEKS, AND
POLES; RUSSIANS, HUNGARIANS,

ITALIANS, JEWS, GREEKS, AND
POLES; RUSSIANS, HUNGARIANS,
UKRAINIANS, ARMENIANS, AND

POLES; RUSSIANS, HUNGARIANS,
UKRAINIANS, ARMENIANS, AND
TURKS.

UKRAINIANS, ARMENIANS, AND
TURKS.
"OUT OF THE REMOTE AND LITTLE-

TURKS.
"OUT OF THE REMOTE AND LITTLE-
KNOWN REACHES OF EUROPE,"

"OUT OF THE REMOTE AND LITTLE-
KNOWN REACHES OF EUROPE,"
ONE AWESTRUCK OBSERVER WROTE,

KNOWN REACHES OF EUROPE,"
ONE AWESTRUCK OBSERVER WROTE,
"MARCHES A VAST AND ENDLESS

ONE AWESTRUCK OBSERVER WROTE,
"MARCHES A VAST AND ENDLESS
ARMY."

"MARCHES A VAST AND ENDLESS
ARMY."
McCullough: IT WAS A HUGE

ARMY."
McCullough: IT WAS A HUGE
HUMAN TIDE, AND COMING ON ALL

McCullough: IT WAS A HUGE
HUMAN TIDE, AND COMING ON ALL
THE TIME, YEAR AFTER YEAR, AND

HUMAN TIDE, AND COMING ON ALL
THE TIME, YEAR AFTER YEAR, AND
GROWING.

THE TIME, YEAR AFTER YEAR, AND
GROWING.
IN 1907, 1,200,000 PEOPLE...

GROWING.
IN 1907, 1,200,000 PEOPLE...
1,200,000 PEOPLE... CAME INTO THE

IN 1907, 1,200,000 PEOPLE...
1,200,000 PEOPLE... CAME INTO THE
CITY OF NEW YORK FROM EUROPE,

1,200,000 PEOPLE... CAME INTO THE
CITY OF NEW YORK FROM EUROPE,
PRIMARILY.

CITY OF NEW YORK FROM EUROPE,
PRIMARILY.
THERE WERE 289,000 OF THEM FROM

PRIMARILY.
THERE WERE 289,000 OF THEM FROM
ITALY ALONE, 256,000 FROM RUSSIA

THERE WERE 289,000 OF THEM FROM
ITALY ALONE, 256,000 FROM RUSSIA
JUST IN ONE YEAR.

ITALY ALONE, 256,000 FROM RUSSIA
JUST IN ONE YEAR.
AND IN THE LONG RUN, THEY GAVE

JUST IN ONE YEAR.
AND IN THE LONG RUN, THEY GAVE
US MORE THAN THEY GOT.

AND IN THE LONG RUN, THEY GAVE
US MORE THAN THEY GOT.
Narrator: ONE WAY OR THE

US MORE THAN THEY GOT.
Narrator: ONE WAY OR THE
OTHER, THEY HAD ALL HEARD THE

Narrator: ONE WAY OR THE
OTHER, THEY HAD ALL HEARD THE
THERE WAS FREEDOM

OTHER, THEY HAD ALL HEARD THE
THERE WAS FREEDOM
AND OPPORTUNITY IN AMERICA FOR

THERE WAS FREEDOM
AND OPPORTUNITY IN AMERICA FOR
ANYONE WILLING TO WORK, AND THE

AND OPPORTUNITY IN AMERICA FOR
ANYONE WILLING TO WORK, AND THE
PLACE WITH THE MOST JOBS WAS THE

ANYONE WILLING TO WORK, AND THE
PLACE WITH THE MOST JOBS WAS THE
SPRAWLING, UNFATHOMABLY LARGE

PLACE WITH THE MOST JOBS WAS THE
SPRAWLING, UNFATHOMABLY LARGE
SEAPORT OF NEW YORK.

SPRAWLING, UNFATHOMABLY LARGE
SEAPORT OF NEW YORK.
FOR MOST, IT MEANT LEAVING

SEAPORT OF NEW YORK.
FOR MOST, IT MEANT LEAVING
EVERYTHING FAMILIAR BEHIND.

FOR MOST, IT MEANT LEAVING
EVERYTHING FAMILIAR BEHIND.
Reader: "THE DAY I LEFT HOME,

EVERYTHING FAMILIAR BEHIND.
Reader: "THE DAY I LEFT HOME,
MY MOTHER CAME WITH ME TO THE

Reader: "THE DAY I LEFT HOME,
MY MOTHER CAME WITH ME TO THE
RAILROAD STATION.

MY MOTHER CAME WITH ME TO THE
RAILROAD STATION.
WHEN WE SAID GOOD-BYE, SHE SAID

RAILROAD STATION.
WHEN WE SAID GOOD-BYE, SHE SAID
IT WAS LIKE SEEING ME GO INTO MY

WHEN WE SAID GOOD-BYE, SHE SAID
IT WAS LIKE SEEING ME GO INTO MY
CASKET.

IT WAS LIKE SEEING ME GO INTO MY
CASKET.
I NEVER SAW HER AGAIN."

CASKET.
I NEVER SAW HER AGAIN."
JULIA GONIPROW, 1899.

I NEVER SAW HER AGAIN."
JULIA GONIPROW, 1899.
Hamill: THERE WAS A SENSE

JULIA GONIPROW, 1899.
Hamill: THERE WAS A SENSE
THAT THE CITY... A MESSAGE THAT

Hamill: THERE WAS A SENSE
THAT THE CITY... A MESSAGE THAT
THE CITY WHISPERED TO ITS

THAT THE CITY... A MESSAGE THAT
THE CITY WHISPERED TO ITS
PEOPLE, AND TO PEOPLE FROM ALL

THE CITY WHISPERED TO ITS
PEOPLE, AND TO PEOPLE FROM ALL
YOU

PEOPLE, AND TO PEOPLE FROM ALL
YOU
KNOW, "COME HERE; EVERYTHING IS

YOU
KNOW, "COME HERE; EVERYTHING IS
POSSIBLE."

KNOW, "COME HERE; EVERYTHING IS
POSSIBLE."
NOW, THAT'S A SEDUCTIVE SOUND.

POSSIBLE."
NOW, THAT'S A SEDUCTIVE SOUND.
IT'S A SEDUCTIVE WHISPER.

NOW, THAT'S A SEDUCTIVE SOUND.
IT'S A SEDUCTIVE WHISPER.
AND A LOT OF PEOPLE FAILED AT

IT'S A SEDUCTIVE WHISPER.
AND A LOT OF PEOPLE FAILED AT
IT, BUT AT LEAST THE PROMISE WAS

AND A LOT OF PEOPLE FAILED AT
IT, BUT AT LEAST THE PROMISE WAS
THERE.

IT, BUT AT LEAST THE PROMISE WAS
THERE.
Alfred Kazin: THERE'S ALWAYS

THERE.
Alfred Kazin: THERE'S ALWAYS
BEEN A FEELING OF PROMISE IN NEW

Alfred Kazin: THERE'S ALWAYS
BEEN A FEELING OF PROMISE IN NEW
YORK, AND THE PROMISE IS THERE

BEEN A FEELING OF PROMISE IN NEW
YORK, AND THE PROMISE IS THERE
BECAUSE IT IS THE ENTRANCE CITY;

YORK, AND THE PROMISE IS THERE
BECAUSE IT IS THE ENTRANCE CITY;
IT'S THE BEGINNING.

BUT I STILL THINK OF IT AS THE
CITY TO WHICH, AS JAMES JOYCE

CITY TO WHICH, AS JAMES JOYCE
SAID ABOUT HIS CHARACTERS, "HERE

SAID ABOUT HIS CHARACTERS, "HERE
COMES EVERYBODY."
Reader: "ABOUT 4:00 OR 5:00

Reader: "ABOUT 4:00 OR 5:00
IN THE MORNING, WE ALL GOT UP.
THE WHOLE BOAT BENT TOWARD HER

IN THE MORNING, WE ALL GOT UP.
THE WHOLE BOAT BENT TOWARD HER
BECAUSE EVERYBODY WENT OUT,

THE WHOLE BOAT BENT TOWARD HER
BECAUSE EVERYBODY WENT OUT,
EVERYBODY.

BECAUSE EVERYBODY WENT OUT,
EVERYBODY.
SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL, WITH THE

EVERYBODY.
SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL, WITH THE
SUNSHINE SO BRIGHT, AND SO BIG,

SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL, WITH THE
SUNSHINE SO BRIGHT, AND SO BIG,
AND EVERYBODY WAS CRYING.

SUNSHINE SO BRIGHT, AND SO BIG,
AND EVERYBODY WAS CRYING.
THE CAPTAIN CAME AND SAID,

AND EVERYBODY WAS CRYING.
THE CAPTAIN CAME AND SAID,
'PLEASE, EVERYBODY, WE SHOULD

THE CAPTAIN CAME AND SAID,
'PLEASE, EVERYBODY, WE SHOULD
MOVE A LITTLE BIT TO THE

'PLEASE, EVERYBODY, WE SHOULD
MOVE A LITTLE BIT TO THE
CENTER, ' BUT NOBODY WOULD MOVE."

MOVE A LITTLE BIT TO THE
CENTER, ' BUT NOBODY WOULD MOVE."
Reader: "THE THRILL WAS

CENTER, ' BUT NOBODY WOULD MOVE."
Reader: "THE THRILL WAS
UNBELIEVABLE, BUT ALWAYS THE

Reader: "THE THRILL WAS
UNBELIEVABLE, BUT ALWAYS THE
FEAR, BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO GO

UNBELIEVABLE, BUT ALWAYS THE
FEAR, BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO GO
THROUGH ELLIS ISLAND.

FEAR, BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO GO
THROUGH ELLIS ISLAND.
I HEARD ALL KINDS OF THINGS THAT

THROUGH ELLIS ISLAND.
I HEARD ALL KINDS OF THINGS THAT
THEY WOULD TELL YOU ON THE BOAT.

I HEARD ALL KINDS OF THINGS THAT
THEY WOULD TELL YOU ON THE BOAT.
'MY GOD, ' I SAID.

THEY WOULD TELL YOU ON THE BOAT.
'MY GOD, ' I SAID.
'I HOPE THEY'RE NOT GOING TO

'MY GOD, ' I SAID.
'I HOPE THEY'RE NOT GOING TO
SEND ME BACK.'

'I HOPE THEY'RE NOT GOING TO
SEND ME BACK.'
JOSEPH TALESE.

SEND ME BACK.'
JOSEPH TALESE.
Narrator: FOR DECADES,

JOSEPH TALESE.
Narrator: FOR DECADES,
IMMIGRANTS TO NEW YORK HAD COME

Narrator: FOR DECADES,
IMMIGRANTS TO NEW YORK HAD COME
THROUGH CASTLE GARDEN, A

IMMIGRANTS TO NEW YORK HAD COME
THROUGH CASTLE GARDEN, A
RAMSHACKLE STATE-RUN DEPOT AT

THROUGH CASTLE GARDEN, A
RAMSHACKLE STATE-RUN DEPOT AT
THE FOOT OF MANHATTAN.

RAMSHACKLE STATE-RUN DEPOT AT
THE FOOT OF MANHATTAN.
BUT BY 1890, THE ONE-TIME

THE FOOT OF MANHATTAN.
BUT BY 1890, THE ONE-TIME
CONCERT HALL HAD BEEN COMPLETELY

BUT BY 1890, THE ONE-TIME
CONCERT HALL HAD BEEN COMPLETELY
OVERWHELMED BY THE TIDAL WAVE OF

CONCERT HALL HAD BEEN COMPLETELY
OVERWHELMED BY THE TIDAL WAVE OF
NEW IMMIGRANTS, AND WORK HAD

OVERWHELMED BY THE TIDAL WAVE OF
NEW IMMIGRANTS, AND WORK HAD
BEGUN ON A MASSIVE NEW FEDERAL

NEW IMMIGRANTS, AND WORK HAD
BEGUN ON A MASSIVE NEW FEDERAL
INSTALLATION FAR OUT IN THE

BEGUN ON A MASSIVE NEW FEDERAL
INSTALLATION FAR OUT IN THE
HARBOR ON AN ABANDONED

INSTALLATION FAR OUT IN THE
HARBOR ON AN ABANDONED
AMMUNITION DUMP CALLED ELLIS

HARBOR ON AN ABANDONED
AMMUNITION DUMP CALLED ELLIS
ISLAND.

AMMUNITION DUMP CALLED ELLIS
ISLAND.
ON DECEMBER 17, 1900, THE

ISLAND.
ON DECEMBER 17, 1900, THE
MASSIVE COMPLEX OF BRICK, STONE,

ON DECEMBER 17, 1900, THE
MASSIVE COMPLEX OF BRICK, STONE,
AND STEEL WAS FINALLY COMPLETE.

MASSIVE COMPLEX OF BRICK, STONE,
AND STEEL WAS FINALLY COMPLETE.
BUILT TO ACCOMMODATE A HALF

AND STEEL WAS FINALLY COMPLETE.
BUILT TO ACCOMMODATE A HALF
MILLION PEOPLE A YEAR, IT WAS

BUILT TO ACCOMMODATE A HALF
MILLION PEOPLE A YEAR, IT WAS
SOON HANDLING TWICE THAT NUMBER,

MILLION PEOPLE A YEAR, IT WAS
SOON HANDLING TWICE THAT NUMBER,
SOMETIMES AS MANY AS 12,000 A

SOON HANDLING TWICE THAT NUMBER,
SOMETIMES AS MANY AS 12,000 A
DAY.

SOMETIMES AS MANY AS 12,000 A
DAY.
IN 30 YEARS, 12 MILLION PEOPLE

DAY.
IN 30 YEARS, 12 MILLION PEOPLE
WOULD STREAM THROUGH THE GREAT,

IN 30 YEARS, 12 MILLION PEOPLE
WOULD STREAM THROUGH THE GREAT,
ECHOING REGISTRY ROOM, HOPING TO

WOULD STREAM THROUGH THE GREAT,
ECHOING REGISTRY ROOM, HOPING TO
FIND SANCTUARY AND A NEW

ECHOING REGISTRY ROOM, HOPING TO
FIND SANCTUARY AND A NEW
BEGINNING IN AMERICA.

FIND SANCTUARY AND A NEW
BEGINNING IN AMERICA.
MORE THAN FOUR MILLION OF THEM

BEGINNING IN AMERICA.
MORE THAN FOUR MILLION OF THEM
WOULD SETTLE PERMANENTLY IN NEW

MORE THAN FOUR MILLION OF THEM
WOULD SETTLE PERMANENTLY IN NEW
YORK, TRIPLING ITS POPULATION IN

WOULD SETTLE PERMANENTLY IN NEW
YORK, TRIPLING ITS POPULATION IN
LESS THAN A SINGLE LIFETIME.

YORK, TRIPLING ITS POPULATION IN
LESS THAN A SINGLE LIFETIME.
Daniel Patrick Moynihan:

LESS THAN A SINGLE LIFETIME.
Daniel Patrick Moynihan:
IMMIGRATION MADE US HUGE.

YOU COULD NEVER HAVE BRED
YOURSELF INTO EIGHT MILLION

YOURSELF INTO EIGHT MILLION
PEOPLE IN 50 YEARS.
IMMIGRATION DID IT.

IMMIGRATION DID IT.
IT ALSO MADE FOR AN INDUSTRIAL
CITY.

IT ALSO MADE FOR AN INDUSTRIAL
CITY.
PEOPLE WHO WERE ARRIVING WERE

CITY.
PEOPLE WHO WERE ARRIVING WERE
FROM THE FARMS IN THE MAIN,

PEOPLE WHO WERE ARRIVING WERE
FROM THE FARMS IN THE MAIN,
ARRIVING HERE IN CURIOUS

FROM THE FARMS IN THE MAIN,
ARRIVING HERE IN CURIOUS
REVERSALS.

ARRIVING HERE IN CURIOUS
REVERSALS.
IT WAS WHEN THE WHEAT FROM

REVERSALS.
IT WAS WHEN THE WHEAT FROM
KANSAS BEGAN ARRIVING IN THE

IT WAS WHEN THE WHEAT FROM
KANSAS BEGAN ARRIVING IN THE
BALTIC THAT PEASANT POPULATION

KANSAS BEGAN ARRIVING IN THE
BALTIC THAT PEASANT POPULATION
THERE BECAME SURPLUS; THEY

BALTIC THAT PEASANT POPULATION
THERE BECAME SURPLUS; THEY
TURNED AROUND, ARRIVED HERE.

THERE BECAME SURPLUS; THEY
TURNED AROUND, ARRIVED HERE.
Narrator: ON DISEMBARKING,

TURNED AROUND, ARRIVED HERE.
Narrator: ON DISEMBARKING,
THE PILGRIMS ENTERED A VAST,

Narrator: ON DISEMBARKING,
THE PILGRIMS ENTERED A VAST,
BEWILDERING, IMPERSONAL MACHINE,

THE PILGRIMS ENTERED A VAST,
BEWILDERING, IMPERSONAL MACHINE,
AN ASSEMBLY LINE FOR PROCESSING

BEWILDERING, IMPERSONAL MACHINE,
AN ASSEMBLY LINE FOR PROCESSING
IMMIGRANTS.

AN ASSEMBLY LINE FOR PROCESSING
IMMIGRANTS.
WITH NUMBERED TAGS PINNED TO

IMMIGRANTS.
WITH NUMBERED TAGS PINNED TO
THEIR CLOTHES, THEY WERE SWIFTLY

WITH NUMBERED TAGS PINNED TO
THEIR CLOTHES, THEY WERE SWIFTLY
HERDED INTO LONG LINES, THEN

THEIR CLOTHES, THEY WERE SWIFTLY
HERDED INTO LONG LINES, THEN
USHERED INSIDE THE MAIN BUILDING

HERDED INTO LONG LINES, THEN
USHERED INSIDE THE MAIN BUILDING
BY HARRIED IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS

USHERED INSIDE THE MAIN BUILDING
BY HARRIED IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS
WHO BARKED ORDERS AT THEM IN

BY HARRIED IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS
WHO BARKED ORDERS AT THEM IN
DOZENS OF DIFFERENT TONGUES.

WHO BARKED ORDERS AT THEM IN
DOZENS OF DIFFERENT TONGUES.
INSPECTORS WERE REQUIRED BY LAW

DOZENS OF DIFFERENT TONGUES.
INSPECTORS WERE REQUIRED BY LAW
TO TURN BACK POLYGAMISTS,

INSPECTORS WERE REQUIRED BY LAW
TO TURN BACK POLYGAMISTS,
PAUPERS, CRIMINALS, AND THE

TO TURN BACK POLYGAMISTS,
PAUPERS, CRIMINALS, AND THE
MENTALLY ILL, AS WELL AS ANYONE

PAUPERS, CRIMINALS, AND THE
MENTALLY ILL, AS WELL AS ANYONE
WITH A HEART CONDITION OR A

MENTALLY ILL, AS WELL AS ANYONE
WITH A HEART CONDITION OR A
PHYSICAL DISABILITY OR A

WITH A HEART CONDITION OR A
PHYSICAL DISABILITY OR A
CONTAGIOUS DISEASE.

PHYSICAL DISABILITY OR A
CONTAGIOUS DISEASE.
THE INSPECTIONS WERE BRUSQUE,

CONTAGIOUS DISEASE.
THE INSPECTIONS WERE BRUSQUE,
IRREVERSIBLE, AND CARRIED OUT

THE INSPECTIONS WERE BRUSQUE,
IRREVERSIBLE, AND CARRIED OUT
WITH ASTONISHING SPEED.

IRREVERSIBLE, AND CARRIED OUT
WITH ASTONISHING SPEED.
ON THE BUSIEST DAYS, THE

WITH ASTONISHING SPEED.
ON THE BUSIEST DAYS, THE
EXAMINERS HAD LESS THAN SIX

ON THE BUSIEST DAYS, THE
EXAMINERS HAD LESS THAN SIX
SECONDS TO DETECT ANY ONE OF 60

EXAMINERS HAD LESS THAN SIX
SECONDS TO DETECT ANY ONE OF 60
CONDITIONS.

SECONDS TO DETECT ANY ONE OF 60
CONDITIONS.
THE UNLUCKY ONES WERE SWIFTLY

CONDITIONS.
THE UNLUCKY ONES WERE SWIFTLY
REMOVED FROM THE LINE WITHOUT

THE UNLUCKY ONES WERE SWIFTLY
REMOVED FROM THE LINE WITHOUT
EXPLANATION AND SENT TO SPECIAL

REMOVED FROM THE LINE WITHOUT
EXPLANATION AND SENT TO SPECIAL
EXAMINATION ROOMS WITH CHALK

EXPLANATION AND SENT TO SPECIAL
EXAMINATION ROOMS WITH CHALK
LETTERS HASTILY SCRAWLED ON

EXAMINATION ROOMS WITH CHALK
LETTERS HASTILY SCRAWLED ON
"L" FOR LAMENESS;

LETTERS HASTILY SCRAWLED ON
"L" FOR LAMENESS;
"C" FOR CONJUNCTIVITIS; "H"

"L" FOR LAMENESS;
"C" FOR CONJUNCTIVITIS; "H"
FOR HEART PROBLEMS; "X" FOR

"C" FOR CONJUNCTIVITIS; "H"
FOR HEART PROBLEMS; "X" FOR
SUSPECTED INSANITY.

FOR HEART PROBLEMS; "X" FOR
SUSPECTED INSANITY.
THE EXAMINATION FOR TRACHOMA, AN

SUSPECTED INSANITY.
THE EXAMINATION FOR TRACHOMA, AN
INCURABLE DISEASE OF THE EYE,

THE EXAMINATION FOR TRACHOMA, AN
INCURABLE DISEASE OF THE EYE,
WAS PARTICULARLY TRAUMATIC.

INCURABLE DISEASE OF THE EYE,
WAS PARTICULARLY TRAUMATIC.
ANYONE INFECTED WAS SENT BACK.

WAS PARTICULARLY TRAUMATIC.
ANYONE INFECTED WAS SENT BACK.
25-YEAR-OLD FIORELLO LA

ANYONE INFECTED WAS SENT BACK.
25-YEAR-OLD FIORELLO LA
GUARDIA, WORKING AS AN

25-YEAR-OLD FIORELLO LA
GUARDIA, WORKING AS AN
INTERPRETER ON ELLIS ISLAND TO

GUARDIA, WORKING AS AN
INTERPRETER ON ELLIS ISLAND TO
PAY HIS WAY THROUGH LAW SCHOOL,

INTERPRETER ON ELLIS ISLAND TO
PAY HIS WAY THROUGH LAW SCHOOL,
NEVER FORGOT THE HARROWING

PAY HIS WAY THROUGH LAW SCHOOL,
NEVER FORGOT THE HARROWING
SCENES THAT ENSUED.

NEVER FORGOT THE HARROWING
SCENES THAT ENSUED.
Reader: "SOMETIMES, IF IT WAS

SCENES THAT ENSUED.
Reader: "SOMETIMES, IF IT WAS
A YOUNG CHILD WHO SUFFERED FROM

Reader: "SOMETIMES, IF IT WAS
A YOUNG CHILD WHO SUFFERED FROM
TRACHOMA, ONE OF THE PARENTS HAD

A YOUNG CHILD WHO SUFFERED FROM
TRACHOMA, ONE OF THE PARENTS HAD
TO RETURN TO THE NATIVE COUNTRY

TRACHOMA, ONE OF THE PARENTS HAD
TO RETURN TO THE NATIVE COUNTRY
WITH THE REJECTED MEMBER OF THE

TO RETURN TO THE NATIVE COUNTRY
WITH THE REJECTED MEMBER OF THE
FAMILY.

WITH THE REJECTED MEMBER OF THE
FAMILY.
WHEN THEY LEARNED THEIR FATE,

FAMILY.
WHEN THEY LEARNED THEIR FATE,
THEY WERE STUNNED.

WHEN THEY LEARNED THEIR FATE,
THEY WERE STUNNED.
THEY HAD NEVER FELT ILL.

THEY WERE STUNNED.
THEY HAD NEVER FELT ILL.
THEY HAD NEVER HEARD THE WORD

THEY HAD NEVER FELT ILL.
THEY HAD NEVER HEARD THE WORD
'TRACHOMA.'

THEY HAD NEVER HEARD THE WORD
'TRACHOMA.'
THEY COULD SEE ALL RIGHT, AND

'TRACHOMA.'
THEY COULD SEE ALL RIGHT, AND
THEY HAD NO HOMES TO RETURN TO."

THEY COULD SEE ALL RIGHT, AND
THEY HAD NO HOMES TO RETURN TO."
FIORELLO LA GUARDIA.

THEY HAD NO HOMES TO RETURN TO."
FIORELLO LA GUARDIA.
Narrator: FOR THE MAJORITY

FIORELLO LA GUARDIA.
Narrator: FOR THE MAJORITY
WHO PASSED THE MEDICAL EXAM, THE

Narrator: FOR THE MAJORITY
WHO PASSED THE MEDICAL EXAM, THE
LAST HURDLE WAS THE REGISTRY

WHO PASSED THE MEDICAL EXAM, THE
LAST HURDLE WAS THE REGISTRY
ROOM, WHERE THE FINAL

LAST HURDLE WAS THE REGISTRY
ROOM, WHERE THE FINAL
INTERROGATION WAS HELD, "THE

ROOM, WHERE THE FINAL
INTERROGATION WAS HELD, "THE
NEAREST EARTHLY LIKENESS," ONE

INTERROGATION WAS HELD, "THE
NEAREST EARTHLY LIKENESS," ONE
MAN SAID, "TO THE FINAL DAY OF

NEAREST EARTHLY LIKENESS," ONE
MAN SAID, "TO THE FINAL DAY OF
JUDGMENT."

MAN SAID, "TO THE FINAL DAY OF
JUDGMENT."
IN RAPID SUCCESSION, EACH

JUDGMENT."
IN RAPID SUCCESSION, EACH
IMMIGRANT WAS ASKED TO STATE HIS

IN RAPID SUCCESSION, EACH
IMMIGRANT WAS ASKED TO STATE HIS
OR HER NAME, PLACE OF BIRTH,

IMMIGRANT WAS ASKED TO STATE HIS
OR HER NAME, PLACE OF BIRTH,
DESTINATION, AND OCCUPATION; HOW

OR HER NAME, PLACE OF BIRTH,
DESTINATION, AND OCCUPATION; HOW
MUCH MONEY HE OR SHE HAD,

DESTINATION, AND OCCUPATION; HOW
MUCH MONEY HE OR SHE HAD,
WHETHER HE OR SHE HAD EVER BEEN

MUCH MONEY HE OR SHE HAD,
WHETHER HE OR SHE HAD EVER BEEN
IN JAIL, OR HAD EVER BEEN AN

WHETHER HE OR SHE HAD EVER BEEN
IN JAIL, OR HAD EVER BEEN AN
ANARCHIST.

IN JAIL, OR HAD EVER BEEN AN
ANARCHIST.
NO IMMIGRANT'S NAME WAS EVER

ANARCHIST.
NO IMMIGRANT'S NAME WAS EVER
KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN CHANGED BY

NO IMMIGRANT'S NAME WAS EVER
KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN CHANGED BY
THE INSPECTORS AT ELLIS ISLAND,

KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN CHANGED BY
THE INSPECTORS AT ELLIS ISLAND,
WHO MERELY CONFIRMED INFORMATION

THE INSPECTORS AT ELLIS ISLAND,
WHO MERELY CONFIRMED INFORMATION
ALREADY BEFORE THEM IN THE

WHO MERELY CONFIRMED INFORMATION
ALREADY BEFORE THEM IN THE
SHIP'S MANIFEST.

ALREADY BEFORE THEM IN THE
SHIP'S MANIFEST.
FOR 80% OF THE NEWCOMERS, THE

SHIP'S MANIFEST.
FOR 80% OF THE NEWCOMERS, THE
HARROWING EXPERIENCE WAS OVER IN

FOR 80% OF THE NEWCOMERS, THE
HARROWING EXPERIENCE WAS OVER IN
FOUR OR FIVE HOURS, AND IN THE

HARROWING EXPERIENCE WAS OVER IN
FOUR OR FIVE HOURS, AND IN THE
END, FEWER THAN ONE IN 50 WERE

FOUR OR FIVE HOURS, AND IN THE
END, FEWER THAN ONE IN 50 WERE
DENIED ENTRANCE TO AMERICA.

END, FEWER THAN ONE IN 50 WERE
DENIED ENTRANCE TO AMERICA.
WITHOUT CEREMONY OR

DENIED ENTRANCE TO AMERICA.
WITHOUT CEREMONY OR
CONGRATULATION, THE NEW ARRIVALS

WITHOUT CEREMONY OR
CONGRATULATION, THE NEW ARRIVALS
WERE CURTLY WAVED DOWN A FLIGHT

CONGRATULATION, THE NEW ARRIVALS
WERE CURTLY WAVED DOWN A FLIGHT
OF STAIRS TOWARD THE EXIT,

WERE CURTLY WAVED DOWN A FLIGHT
OF STAIRS TOWARD THE EXIT,
WHERE, AT A PLACE CALLED THE

OF STAIRS TOWARD THE EXIT,
WHERE, AT A PLACE CALLED THE
KISSING POST, AFTER SEPARATIONS

WHERE, AT A PLACE CALLED THE
KISSING POST, AFTER SEPARATIONS
THAT HAD SOMETIMES LASTED MONTHS

KISSING POST, AFTER SEPARATIONS
THAT HAD SOMETIMES LASTED MONTHS
OR YEARS, THEY WERE FINALLY MET

THAT HAD SOMETIMES LASTED MONTHS
OR YEARS, THEY WERE FINALLY MET
BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

OR YEARS, THEY WERE FINALLY MET
BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Reader: "THE ITALIAN KISSES

BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Reader: "THE ITALIAN KISSES
HIS LITTLE CHILDREN, BUT

Reader: "THE ITALIAN KISSES
HIS LITTLE CHILDREN, BUT
SCARCELY SPEAKS TO HIS WIFE.

HIS LITTLE CHILDREN, BUT
SCARCELY SPEAKS TO HIS WIFE.
THE HUNGARIAN AND SLAVISH PEOPLE

SCARCELY SPEAKS TO HIS WIFE.
THE HUNGARIAN AND SLAVISH PEOPLE
PUT THEIR ARMS AROUND ONE

THE HUNGARIAN AND SLAVISH PEOPLE
PUT THEIR ARMS AROUND ONE
ANOTHER AND WEEP.

PUT THEIR ARMS AROUND ONE
ANOTHER AND WEEP.
THE JEW OF ALL COUNTRIES KISSES

ANOTHER AND WEEP.
THE JEW OF ALL COUNTRIES KISSES
HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN AS THOUGH

THE JEW OF ALL COUNTRIES KISSES
HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN AS THOUGH
HE HAD ALL THE KISSES IN THE

HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN AS THOUGH
HE HAD ALL THE KISSES IN THE
WORLD, AND INTENDED TO USE THEM

HE HAD ALL THE KISSES IN THE
WORLD, AND INTENDED TO USE THEM
ALL UP QUICK."

WORLD, AND INTENDED TO USE THEM
ALL UP QUICK."
Narrator: MOST OF THE

ALL UP QUICK."
Narrator: MOST OF THE
IMMIGRANTS QUICKLY DISPERSED TO

Narrator: MOST OF THE
IMMIGRANTS QUICKLY DISPERSED TO
DISTANT TOWNS AND CITIES AROUND

IMMIGRANTS QUICKLY DISPERSED TO
DISTANT TOWNS AND CITIES AROUND
THE COUNTRY, BUT FOR ONE IN FOUR

DISTANT TOWNS AND CITIES AROUND
THE COUNTRY, BUT FOR ONE IN FOUR
OF THE NEW ARRIVALS, THE FINAL

THE COUNTRY, BUT FOR ONE IN FOUR
OF THE NEW ARRIVALS, THE FINAL
DESTINATION WAS A 15-MINUTE

OF THE NEW ARRIVALS, THE FINAL
DESTINATION WAS A 15-MINUTE
FERRY RIDE AWAY, ON AN ISLAND

DESTINATION WAS A 15-MINUTE
FERRY RIDE AWAY, ON AN ISLAND
MANY OF THEM WOULD NEVER LEAVE

FERRY RIDE AWAY, ON AN ISLAND
MANY OF THEM WOULD NEVER LEAVE
AGAIN.

MANY OF THEM WOULD NEVER LEAVE
AGAIN.
ON BOARD THE FERRY, APPROACHING

AGAIN.
ON BOARD THE FERRY, APPROACHING
THE BATTERY, THEY STOOD IN

ON BOARD THE FERRY, APPROACHING
THE BATTERY, THEY STOOD IN
WONDER AT THE LAST AND MOST

THE BATTERY, THEY STOOD IN
WONDER AT THE LAST AND MOST
EXTRAORDINARY SIGHT OF ALL, AN

WONDER AT THE LAST AND MOST
EXTRAORDINARY SIGHT OF ALL, AN
ASTONISHING VISION THAT SEEMED

EXTRAORDINARY SIGHT OF ALL, AN
ASTONISHING VISION THAT SEEMED
TO CORROBORATE EVERYTHING THEY

ASTONISHING VISION THAT SEEMED
TO CORROBORATE EVERYTHING THEY
HOPED THE NEW WORLD MIGHT BE.

TO CORROBORATE EVERYTHING THEY
HOPED THE NEW WORLD MIGHT BE.
Reader: "EVERYBODY WAS

HOPED THE NEW WORLD MIGHT BE.
Reader: "EVERYBODY WAS
LOOKING AT MANHATTAN, AND I MUST

Reader: "EVERYBODY WAS
LOOKING AT MANHATTAN, AND I MUST
ADMIT, THAT SIGHT I DON'T THINK

LOOKING AT MANHATTAN, AND I MUST
ADMIT, THAT SIGHT I DON'T THINK
I WILL EVER FORGET."

ADMIT, THAT SIGHT I DON'T THINK
I WILL EVER FORGET."
Reader: "I THOUGHT I WAS IN

I WILL EVER FORGET."
Reader: "I THOUGHT I WAS IN
HEAVEN.

Reader: "I THOUGHT I WAS IN
HEAVEN.
MY GOD, WAS THIS A CITY ON EARTH

HEAVEN.
MY GOD, WAS THIS A CITY ON EARTH
OR A CITY IN HEAVEN?"

MY GOD, WAS THIS A CITY ON EARTH
OR A CITY IN HEAVEN?"
Moynihan: THE WORD

OR A CITY IN HEAVEN?"
Moynihan: THE WORD
"SKYSCRAPER," WHICH YOU

Moynihan: THE WORD
"SKYSCRAPER," WHICH YOU
ASSOCIATE WITH MANHATTAN, THAT'S

"SKYSCRAPER," WHICH YOU
ASSOCIATE WITH MANHATTAN, THAT'S
A SAILOR'S TERM.

ASSOCIATE WITH MANHATTAN, THAT'S
A SAILOR'S TERM.
IT'S THE UPPERMOST SAIL ON A

A SAILOR'S TERM.
IT'S THE UPPERMOST SAIL ON A
THREE-MAST RIGGED SHIP, CROSSING

IT'S THE UPPERMOST SAIL ON A
THREE-MAST RIGGED SHIP, CROSSING
OVER FROM LIVERPOOL.

THREE-MAST RIGGED SHIP, CROSSING
OVER FROM LIVERPOOL.
Narrator: NEWCOMERS

OVER FROM LIVERPOOL.
Narrator: NEWCOMERS
APPROACHING MANHATTAN AS THE

Narrator: NEWCOMERS
APPROACHING MANHATTAN AS THE
CENTURY CAME TO A CLOSE WERE

APPROACHING MANHATTAN AS THE
CENTURY CAME TO A CLOSE WERE
GREETED BY AN ASTONISHING SIGHT.

CENTURY CAME TO A CLOSE WERE
GREETED BY AN ASTONISHING SIGHT.
DOWN AT THE TIP OF THE ISLAND,

GREETED BY AN ASTONISHING SIGHT.
DOWN AT THE TIP OF THE ISLAND,
FROM THE NARROW LANES THE DUTCH

DOWN AT THE TIP OF THE ISLAND,
FROM THE NARROW LANES THE DUTCH
HAD LAID OUT THREE CENTURIES

FROM THE NARROW LANES THE DUTCH
HAD LAID OUT THREE CENTURIES
BEFORE, NEW YORK CITY HAD BEGUN

HAD LAID OUT THREE CENTURIES
BEFORE, NEW YORK CITY HAD BEGUN
TO SOAR STRAIGHT UP INTO THE

BEFORE, NEW YORK CITY HAD BEGUN
TO SOAR STRAIGHT UP INTO THE
SKY.

TO SOAR STRAIGHT UP INTO THE
SKY.
"IT IS AS IF SOME MIGHTY FORCE

SKY.
"IT IS AS IF SOME MIGHTY FORCE
WERE ASTIR BENEATH THE GROUND,"

"IT IS AS IF SOME MIGHTY FORCE
WERE ASTIR BENEATH THE GROUND,"
ONE MAN WROTE, "PUSHING UP

WERE ASTIR BENEATH THE GROUND,"
ONE MAN WROTE, "PUSHING UP
STRUCTURES THAT A DOZEN YEARS

ONE MAN WROTE, "PUSHING UP
STRUCTURES THAT A DOZEN YEARS
AGO WOULD HAVE BEEN

STRUCTURES THAT A DOZEN YEARS
AGO WOULD HAVE BEEN
INCONCEIVABLE."

AGO WOULD HAVE BEEN
INCONCEIVABLE."
NOT SINCE THE ADVENT OF THE

INCONCEIVABLE."
NOT SINCE THE ADVENT OF THE
GREAT GOTHIC CATHEDRALS 800

NOT SINCE THE ADVENT OF THE
GREAT GOTHIC CATHEDRALS 800
YEARS BEFORE HAD THERE BEEN SUCH

GREAT GOTHIC CATHEDRALS 800
YEARS BEFORE HAD THERE BEEN SUCH
A REVOLUTION IN THE WAY MEN

YEARS BEFORE HAD THERE BEEN SUCH
A REVOLUTION IN THE WAY MEN
BUILT.

A REVOLUTION IN THE WAY MEN
BUILT.
McCullough: WHAT HAPPENED IN

BUILT.
McCullough: WHAT HAPPENED IN
THE CITY OF NEW YORK WHEN THE

McCullough: WHAT HAPPENED IN
THE CITY OF NEW YORK WHEN THE
SKYSCRAPER WAS BORN IS THAT

THE CITY OF NEW YORK WHEN THE
SKYSCRAPER WAS BORN IS THAT
BUILDINGS TURNED FROM

SKYSCRAPER WAS BORN IS THAT
BUILDINGS TURNED FROM
CRUSTACEANS, WHICH ARE SUPPORTED

BUILDINGS TURNED FROM
CRUSTACEANS, WHICH ARE SUPPORTED
BY THEIR WALLS, TO VERTEBRATES

CRUSTACEANS, WHICH ARE SUPPORTED
BY THEIR WALLS, TO VERTEBRATES
SUPPORTED BY THEIR SKELETON.

BY THEIR WALLS, TO VERTEBRATES
SUPPORTED BY THEIR SKELETON.
BUT THE SKELETON HAD TO BE MADE

SUPPORTED BY THEIR SKELETON.
BUT THE SKELETON HAD TO BE MADE
OUT OF STEEL.

BUT THE SKELETON HAD TO BE MADE
OUT OF STEEL.
IT'S ONE OF THE GREAT

OUT OF STEEL.
IT'S ONE OF THE GREAT
TRANSFORMING MOMENTS IN HOW WE

IT'S ONE OF THE GREAT
TRANSFORMING MOMENTS IN HOW WE
LIVE ON EARTH AS HUMAN BEINGS.

TRANSFORMING MOMENTS IN HOW WE
LIVE ON EARTH AS HUMAN BEINGS.
AND SUDDENLY, UP OUT OF THIS

LIVE ON EARTH AS HUMAN BEINGS.
AND SUDDENLY, UP OUT OF THIS
GRANITE BASE OF NEW YORK CITY,

AND SUDDENLY, UP OUT OF THIS
GRANITE BASE OF NEW YORK CITY,
THIS ISLAND IN THE SEA... AND

GRANITE BASE OF NEW YORK CITY,
THIS ISLAND IN THE SEA... AND
REMEMBER, THE EAST RIVER IS THE

THIS ISLAND IN THE SEA... AND
REMEMBER, THE EAST RIVER IS THE
SEA; IT'S A TIDAL STRAIT; IT

REMEMBER, THE EAST RIVER IS THE
SEA; IT'S A TIDAL STRAIT; IT
ISN'T REALLY A RIVER AT ALL... UP

SEA; IT'S A TIDAL STRAIT; IT
ISN'T REALLY A RIVER AT ALL... UP
OUT OF THAT RISES THIS NEW FORM,

ISN'T REALLY A RIVER AT ALL... UP
OUT OF THAT RISES THIS NEW FORM,
WHICH IS ENTIRELY AMERICAN, AND

OUT OF THAT RISES THIS NEW FORM,
WHICH IS ENTIRELY AMERICAN, AND
THERE IT WAS FOR ALL THE WORLD

WHICH IS ENTIRELY AMERICAN, AND
THERE IT WAS FOR ALL THE WORLD
TO SEE WHEN THEY CAME ARRIVING

THERE IT WAS FOR ALL THE WORLD
TO SEE WHEN THEY CAME ARRIVING
AT OUR DOORSTEP.

TO SEE WHEN THEY CAME ARRIVING
AT OUR DOORSTEP.
John Steele Gordon: WELL,

AT OUR DOORSTEP.
John Steele Gordon: WELL,
WHAT WAS NEW ABOUT THEM WAS

John Steele Gordon: WELL,
WHAT WAS NEW ABOUT THEM WAS
THERE WAS TWO PIECES OF

WHAT WAS NEW ABOUT THEM WAS
THERE WAS TWO PIECES OF
TECHNOLOGY CAME TOGETHER AND

THERE WAS TWO PIECES OF
TECHNOLOGY CAME TOGETHER AND
MADE THEM TECHNICALLY POSSIBLE.

TECHNOLOGY CAME TOGETHER AND
MADE THEM TECHNICALLY POSSIBLE.
ONE WAS THE ELECTRIC ELEVATOR,

MADE THEM TECHNICALLY POSSIBLE.
ONE WAS THE ELECTRIC ELEVATOR,
AND THE OTHER WAS STEEL.

THE MASONRY BUILDING, THE WALLS,
THE THICKNESS OF THE WALLS, IS A

THE THICKNESS OF THE WALLS, IS A
FACTOR OF HOW HIGH YOU CAN BUILD

FACTOR OF HOW HIGH YOU CAN BUILD
THE BUILDING.
IF IT GETS VERY HIGH, THE WALLS

IF IT GETS VERY HIGH, THE WALLS
ARE SO THICK AT THE BASE,
THERE'S NO ROOM FOR USING THE

ARE SO THICK AT THE BASE,
THERE'S NO ROOM FOR USING THE
BUILDING.

THERE'S NO ROOM FOR USING THE
BUILDING.
I MEAN, IT WAS LIKE A PYRAMID,

BUILDING.
I MEAN, IT WAS LIKE A PYRAMID,
WHICH, BY THE WAY, WAS THE

I MEAN, IT WAS LIKE A PYRAMID,
WHICH, BY THE WAY, WAS THE
TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD UP

WHICH, BY THE WAY, WAS THE
TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD UP
UNTIL THE END OF THE 19th

TALLEST BUILDING IN THE WORLD UP
UNTIL THE END OF THE 19th
CENTURY.

UNTIL THE END OF THE 19th
CENTURY.
Donald Trump: THE REASON THE

CENTURY.
Donald Trump: THE REASON THE
GREAT SKYSCRAPERS WENT UP IN

Donald Trump: THE REASON THE
GREAT SKYSCRAPERS WENT UP IN
MANHATTAN IS THAT MANHATTAN IS

GREAT SKYSCRAPERS WENT UP IN
MANHATTAN IS THAT MANHATTAN IS
AN ISLAND OF VERY POWERFUL

MANHATTAN IS THAT MANHATTAN IS
AN ISLAND OF VERY POWERFUL
BEDROCK.

AN ISLAND OF VERY POWERFUL
BEDROCK.
IT'S GRANITE AND BASICALLY VERY,

BEDROCK.
IT'S GRANITE AND BASICALLY VERY,
VERY HIGH-DENSITY ROCK THAT

IT'S GRANITE AND BASICALLY VERY,
VERY HIGH-DENSITY ROCK THAT
FRANKLY, DIGGING FOUNDATIONS IS

VERY HIGH-DENSITY ROCK THAT
FRANKLY, DIGGING FOUNDATIONS IS
UNBELIEVABLY DIFFICULT.

YOU HAVE TO BLAST TO BUILD IN
MANHATTAN.

MANHATTAN.
AND THE BUILDINGS WENT UP IN

AND THE BUILDINGS WENT UP IN
MANHATTAN BECAUSE OF THE POWER

MANHATTAN BECAUSE OF THE POWER
OF THAT BEDROCK.
ONCE YOU DIG THAT FOUNDATION...

ONCE YOU DIG THAT FOUNDATION...
AND WHEN THEY DIG, THEY REALLY
DIG; THEY DIG WITH DYNAMITE...

AND WHEN THEY DIG, THEY REALLY
DIG; THEY DIG WITH DYNAMITE...
AND ONCE YOU DYNAMITE OUT AND

DIG; THEY DIG WITH DYNAMITE...
AND ONCE YOU DYNAMITE OUT AND
YOU SECURE THAT FOUNDATION, THAT

AND ONCE YOU DYNAMITE OUT AND
YOU SECURE THAT FOUNDATION, THAT
BUILDING ISN'T GOING ANYWHERE.

YOU SECURE THAT FOUNDATION, THAT
BUILDING ISN'T GOING ANYWHERE.
Narrator: WITH THE ADVENT OF

BUILDING ISN'T GOING ANYWHERE.
Narrator: WITH THE ADVENT OF
THE ELEVATOR AND STEEL-FRAME

Narrator: WITH THE ADVENT OF
THE ELEVATOR AND STEEL-FRAME
CONSTRUCTION, THE LOW-SLUNG,

THE ELEVATOR AND STEEL-FRAME
CONSTRUCTION, THE LOW-SLUNG,
FOUR-STORY SKYLINE OF NEW YORK

CONSTRUCTION, THE LOW-SLUNG,
FOUR-STORY SKYLINE OF NEW YORK
SHOT UP WITH STARTLING SPEED,

FOUR-STORY SKYLINE OF NEW YORK
SHOT UP WITH STARTLING SPEED,
BEGINNING WITH THE 11-STORY

SHOT UP WITH STARTLING SPEED,
BEGINNING WITH THE 11-STORY
TOWER BUILDING, CALLED THE

BEGINNING WITH THE 11-STORY
TOWER BUILDING, CALLED THE
"IDIOTIC BUILDING" BY SKEPTICAL

TOWER BUILDING, CALLED THE
"IDIOTIC BUILDING" BY SKEPTICAL
NEW YORKERS, WHO ON STORMY DAYS

"IDIOTIC BUILDING" BY SKEPTICAL
NEW YORKERS, WHO ON STORMY DAYS
DURING ITS CONSTRUCTION GATHERED

NEW YORKERS, WHO ON STORMY DAYS
DURING ITS CONSTRUCTION GATHERED
AT A SAFE DISTANCE AND WAITED

DURING ITS CONSTRUCTION GATHERED
AT A SAFE DISTANCE AND WAITED
FOR IT TO COLLAPSE.

AT A SAFE DISTANCE AND WAITED
FOR IT TO COLLAPSE.
IT DID NOT, AND LESS THAN A YEAR

FOR IT TO COLLAPSE.
IT DID NOT, AND LESS THAN A YEAR
AFTER IT OPENED IN 1888, IT WAS

IT DID NOT, AND LESS THAN A YEAR
AFTER IT OPENED IN 1888, IT WAS
SURPASSED BY THE WORLD BUILDING,

AFTER IT OPENED IN 1888, IT WAS
SURPASSED BY THE WORLD BUILDING,
WHICH CLIMBED TO THE UNTHINKABLE

SURPASSED BY THE WORLD BUILDING,
WHICH CLIMBED TO THE UNTHINKABLE
HEIGHT OF 18 STORIES.

WHICH CLIMBED TO THE UNTHINKABLE
HEIGHT OF 18 STORIES.
STEPPING OFF ON THE TOP FLOOR,

HEIGHT OF 18 STORIES.
STEPPING OFF ON THE TOP FLOOR,
ONE AWESTRUCK VISITOR CALLED OUT

STEPPING OFF ON THE TOP FLOOR,
ONE AWESTRUCK VISITOR CALLED OUT
LOUDLY, "IS GOD IN?"

ONE AWESTRUCK VISITOR CALLED OUT
LOUDLY, "IS GOD IN?"
WITH EACH PASSING YEAR, AS THE

LOUDLY, "IS GOD IN?"
WITH EACH PASSING YEAR, AS THE
NUMBER AND SIZE OF CORPORATIONS

WITH EACH PASSING YEAR, AS THE
NUMBER AND SIZE OF CORPORATIONS
HEADQUARTERED IN LOWER MANHATTAN

NUMBER AND SIZE OF CORPORATIONS
HEADQUARTERED IN LOWER MANHATTAN
INCREASED, THE DEMAND FOR SPACE

HEADQUARTERED IN LOWER MANHATTAN
INCREASED, THE DEMAND FOR SPACE
INTENSIFIED.

INCREASED, THE DEMAND FOR SPACE
INTENSIFIED.
"LIMITED AS TO THE GROUND,

INTENSIFIED.
"LIMITED AS TO THE GROUND,
BUSINESS SEEKS THE AIR," THE

"LIMITED AS TO THE GROUND,
BUSINESS SEEKS THE AIR," THE
JOURNALIST LINCOLN STEFFENS

BUSINESS SEEKS THE AIR," THE
JOURNALIST LINCOLN STEFFENS
WROTE.

JOURNALIST LINCOLN STEFFENS
WROTE.
"CONFINED ON ALL SIDES, THE ONLY

WROTE.
"CONFINED ON ALL SIDES, THE ONLY
WAY OUT IS UP."

"CONFINED ON ALL SIDES, THE ONLY
WAY OUT IS UP."
Mike Wallace: ONCE THAT

WAY OUT IS UP."
Mike Wallace: ONCE THAT
PROCESS STARTS, MOREOVER,

Mike Wallace: ONCE THAT
PROCESS STARTS, MOREOVER,
THERE'S A WHOLE OTHER SET OF

PROCESS STARTS, MOREOVER,
THERE'S A WHOLE OTHER SET OF
MEANINGS THAT GET ATTRIBUTED TO

THERE'S A WHOLE OTHER SET OF
MEANINGS THAT GET ATTRIBUTED TO
SKYSCRAPERS.

CORPORATIONS LOVE THEM BECAUSE
THEY ARE EMBLEMS.

THEY ARE EMBLEMS.
THEY ARE LIKE REGISTERING THEIR

THEY ARE LIKE REGISTERING THEIR
LANDMARK IN THE SKY OVER

LANDMARK IN THE SKY OVER
MANHATTAN.
PEOPLE USE THOSE BUILDINGS AS

PEOPLE USE THOSE BUILDINGS AS
CORPORATE LOGOS, AS SOURCES OF
IDENTITY IN THIS NEW CORPORATE

CORPORATE LOGOS, AS SOURCES OF
IDENTITY IN THIS NEW CORPORATE
MARKETPLACE.

IDENTITY IN THIS NEW CORPORATE
MARKETPLACE.
Narrator: YEAR AFTER YEAR,

MARKETPLACE.
Narrator: YEAR AFTER YEAR,
TALLER AND TALLER BUILDINGS

Narrator: YEAR AFTER YEAR,
TALLER AND TALLER BUILDINGS
SOARED INTO THE SKY, THE MOST

TALLER AND TALLER BUILDINGS
SOARED INTO THE SKY, THE MOST
TANGIBLE OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF

SOARED INTO THE SKY, THE MOST
TANGIBLE OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF
THE MIGHTY ECONOMIC ENGINE NOW

TANGIBLE OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF
THE MIGHTY ECONOMIC ENGINE NOW
DRAWING IN PEOPLE FROM EVERY

THE MIGHTY ECONOMIC ENGINE NOW
DRAWING IN PEOPLE FROM EVERY
CORNER OF THE WORLD.

DRAWING IN PEOPLE FROM EVERY
CORNER OF THE WORLD.
"AMERICANS HAVE PRACTICALLY

CORNER OF THE WORLD.
"AMERICANS HAVE PRACTICALLY
ADDED A NEW DIMENSION TO SPACE,"

"AMERICANS HAVE PRACTICALLY
ADDED A NEW DIMENSION TO SPACE,"
ONE SCOTTISH VISITOR WROTE.

ADDED A NEW DIMENSION TO SPACE,"
ONE SCOTTISH VISITOR WROTE.
"WHEN THEY FIND THEMSELVES A

ONE SCOTTISH VISITOR WROTE.
"WHEN THEY FIND THEMSELVES A
LITTLE CROWDED, THEY SIMPLY TILT

"WHEN THEY FIND THEMSELVES A
LITTLE CROWDED, THEY SIMPLY TILT
A STREET ON END AND CALL IT A

LITTLE CROWDED, THEY SIMPLY TILT
A STREET ON END AND CALL IT A
SKYSCRAPER."

A STREET ON END AND CALL IT A
SKYSCRAPER."
IN 1903, THE 21-STORY FULLER

SKYSCRAPER."
IN 1903, THE 21-STORY FULLER
BUILDING WENT UP AT THE CORNER

IN 1903, THE 21-STORY FULLER
BUILDING WENT UP AT THE CORNER
OF FIFTH AVENUE AND 23rd STREET,

BUILDING WENT UP AT THE CORNER
OF FIFTH AVENUE AND 23rd STREET,
SOON KNOWN AS THE FLATIRON

OF FIFTH AVENUE AND 23rd STREET,
SOON KNOWN AS THE FLATIRON
BUILDING FOR ITS UNUSUAL SHAPE.

SOON KNOWN AS THE FLATIRON
BUILDING FOR ITS UNUSUAL SHAPE.
FIVE YEARS LATER, THE SINGER

BUILDING FOR ITS UNUSUAL SHAPE.
FIVE YEARS LATER, THE SINGER
BUILDING LEAPT UP.

FIVE YEARS LATER, THE SINGER
BUILDING LEAPT UP.
TWICE AS TALL AS THE FLATIRON,

BUILDING LEAPT UP.
TWICE AS TALL AS THE FLATIRON,
IT WAS SURPASSED ONLY 18 MONTHS

TWICE AS TALL AS THE FLATIRON,
IT WAS SURPASSED ONLY 18 MONTHS
LATER BY THE 50-STORY

IT WAS SURPASSED ONLY 18 MONTHS
LATER BY THE 50-STORY
METROPOLITAN LIFE BUILDING ON

LATER BY THE 50-STORY
METROPOLITAN LIFE BUILDING ON
MADISON SQUARE.

METROPOLITAN LIFE BUILDING ON
MADISON SQUARE.
BY THEN, THERE WERE 550

MADISON SQUARE.
BY THEN, THERE WERE 550
STRUCTURES OVER TEN STORIES TALL

BY THEN, THERE WERE 550
STRUCTURES OVER TEN STORIES TALL
IN LOWER MANHATTAN, WHOSE

STRUCTURES OVER TEN STORIES TALL
IN LOWER MANHATTAN, WHOSE
SOARING SKYLINE HAD CHANGED

IN LOWER MANHATTAN, WHOSE
SOARING SKYLINE HAD CHANGED
FOREVER THE MEANING OF THE WORD

SOARING SKYLINE HAD CHANGED
FOREVER THE MEANING OF THE WORD
"CITY."

FOREVER THE MEANING OF THE WORD
"CITY."
Wallace: BUT THERE'S

"CITY."
Wallace: BUT THERE'S
SOMETHING LASTING THAT'S MORE

Wallace: BUT THERE'S
SOMETHING LASTING THAT'S MORE
INTANGIBLE.

SOMETHING LASTING THAT'S MORE
INTANGIBLE.
WHAT YOU'VE GOT IS A CIVIC

INTANGIBLE.
WHAT YOU'VE GOT IS A CIVIC
CULTURE WHICH IS ENTHRALLED WITH

WHAT YOU'VE GOT IS A CIVIC
CULTURE WHICH IS ENTHRALLED WITH
THIS DEVELOPMENT AND INCREDIBLY

CULTURE WHICH IS ENTHRALLED WITH
THIS DEVELOPMENT AND INCREDIBLY
SUPPORTIVE OF IT.

THIS DEVELOPMENT AND INCREDIBLY
SUPPORTIVE OF IT.
NEW YORKERS LOVE THESE

SUPPORTIVE OF IT.
NEW YORKERS LOVE THESE
BUILDINGS.

NEW YORKERS LOVE THESE
BUILDINGS.
THEY WAX RHAPSODIC ABOUT THEM.

BUILDINGS.
THEY WAX RHAPSODIC ABOUT THEM.
THEY DEVELOP NEW METAPHORS OF

THEY WAX RHAPSODIC ABOUT THEM.
THEY DEVELOP NEW METAPHORS OF
THESE GLORIOUS MOUNTAINS RISING

THEY DEVELOP NEW METAPHORS OF
THESE GLORIOUS MOUNTAINS RISING
OVER THE SKY.

THESE GLORIOUS MOUNTAINS RISING
OVER THE SKY.
THERE'S A SENSE THAT NEW YORK IS

OVER THE SKY.
THERE'S A SENSE THAT NEW YORK IS
ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF GLOBAL

THERE'S A SENSE THAT NEW YORK IS
ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF GLOBAL
CIVILIZATION.

ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF GLOBAL
CIVILIZATION.
ALL OF THE OLD WONDERS OF THE

CIVILIZATION.
ALL OF THE OLD WONDERS OF THE
WORLD WERE IN EUROPE, THE OLD-

ALL OF THE OLD WONDERS OF THE
WORLD WERE IN EUROPE, THE OLD-
FASHIONED STUFF, BUT NOW THE NEW

WORLD WERE IN EUROPE, THE OLD-
FASHIONED STUFF, BUT NOW THE NEW
FRONTIER OF MANKIND IS IN THE

FASHIONED STUFF, BUT NOW THE NEW
FRONTIER OF MANKIND IS IN THE
SKY OVER MANHATTAN.

FRONTIER OF MANKIND IS IN THE
SKY OVER MANHATTAN.
Stern: REMEMBER THAT LOWER

SKY OVER MANHATTAN.
Stern: REMEMBER THAT LOWER
MANHATTAN IN PARTICULAR, BUT

Stern: REMEMBER THAT LOWER
MANHATTAN IN PARTICULAR, BUT
EVEN ALL OF MANHATTAN, HAS THIS

MANHATTAN IN PARTICULAR, BUT
EVEN ALL OF MANHATTAN, HAS THIS
GREAT ADVANTAGE EVEN BEFORE

EVEN ALL OF MANHATTAN, HAS THIS
GREAT ADVANTAGE EVEN BEFORE
AIRPLANES, THAT YOU CAN GET BACK

GREAT ADVANTAGE EVEN BEFORE
AIRPLANES, THAT YOU CAN GET BACK
FROM IT AND SEE IT.

AIRPLANES, THAT YOU CAN GET BACK
FROM IT AND SEE IT.
YOU CAN TAKE A PICTURE OF IT.

FROM IT AND SEE IT.
YOU CAN TAKE A PICTURE OF IT.
YOU CAN THRILL PEOPLE AS THEY

YOU CAN TAKE A PICTURE OF IT.
YOU CAN THRILL PEOPLE AS THEY
ARRIVE FROM EUROPE, NOT ONLY

YOU CAN THRILL PEOPLE AS THEY
ARRIVE FROM EUROPE, NOT ONLY
IMMIGRANTS... THEY DIDN'T CARE

ARRIVE FROM EUROPE, NOT ONLY
IMMIGRANTS... THEY DIDN'T CARE
ABOUT THEM... BUT ALL THOSE RICH

IMMIGRANTS... THEY DIDN'T CARE
ABOUT THEM... BUT ALL THOSE RICH
PEOPLE GETTING OFF ALL THOSE

ABOUT THEM... BUT ALL THOSE RICH
PEOPLE GETTING OFF ALL THOSE
LINERS.

PEOPLE GETTING OFF ALL THOSE
LINERS.
THEY LOOK UP AND SEE LOWER

LINERS.
THEY LOOK UP AND SEE LOWER
MANHATTAN; THEY SAY, "WHAT'S

THEY LOOK UP AND SEE LOWER
MANHATTAN; THEY SAY, "WHAT'S
THAT BUILDING?"

MANHATTAN; THEY SAY, "WHAT'S
THAT BUILDING?"
"THE BANKERS TRUST COMPANY."

THAT BUILDING?"
"THE BANKERS TRUST COMPANY."
"WHAT'S THAT BUILDING?"

"THE BANKERS TRUST COMPANY."
"WHAT'S THAT BUILDING?"
"THE SINGER SEWING MACHINE

"WHAT'S THAT BUILDING?"
"THE SINGER SEWING MACHINE
COMPANY."

"THE SINGER SEWING MACHINE
COMPANY."
WHAT A SYMBOL.

COMPANY."
WHAT A SYMBOL.
WHAT AN ADVERTISEMENT.

WHAT A SYMBOL.
WHAT AN ADVERTISEMENT.
Reader: "GIGANTIC, COLOSSAL,

WHAT AN ADVERTISEMENT.
Reader: "GIGANTIC, COLOSSAL,
ENORMOUS, DARING.

Reader: "GIGANTIC, COLOSSAL,
ENORMOUS, DARING.
THERE ARE NO WORDS.

ENORMOUS, DARING.
THERE ARE NO WORDS.
WORDS ARE INADEQUATE TO THIS

THERE ARE NO WORDS.
WORDS ARE INADEQUATE TO THIS
APPARITION, THIS LANDSCAPE, IN

WORDS ARE INADEQUATE TO THIS
APPARITION, THIS LANDSCAPE, IN
WHICH THE VAST RIVER SERVES AS

APPARITION, THIS LANDSCAPE, IN
WHICH THE VAST RIVER SERVES AS
FRAME FOR THE DISPLAY OF STILL

WHICH THE VAST RIVER SERVES AS
FRAME FOR THE DISPLAY OF STILL
VASTER HUMAN ENERGY.

FRAME FOR THE DISPLAY OF STILL
VASTER HUMAN ENERGY.
REACHING SUCH A PITCH OF

VASTER HUMAN ENERGY.
REACHING SUCH A PITCH OF
COLLECTIVE EFFORT, THIS ENERGY

REACHING SUCH A PITCH OF
COLLECTIVE EFFORT, THIS ENERGY
HAS BECOME A FORCE OF NATURE

COLLECTIVE EFFORT, THIS ENERGY
HAS BECOME A FORCE OF NATURE
ITSELF.

HAS BECOME A FORCE OF NATURE
ITSELF.
IT IS THE POETRY OF DEMOCRACY,

ITSELF.
IT IS THE POETRY OF DEMOCRACY,
AN IMMENSE CONCERT.

IT IS THE POETRY OF DEMOCRACY,
AN IMMENSE CONCERT.
THIS IS NOT THE PARTHENON, THAT

AN IMMENSE CONCERT.
THIS IS NOT THE PARTHENON, THAT
LITTLE TEMPLE ON A LITTLE HILL.

THIS IS NOT THE PARTHENON, THAT
LITTLE TEMPLE ON A LITTLE HILL.
IT IS THE OBSCURE AND TREMENDOUS

LITTLE TEMPLE ON A LITTLE HILL.
IT IS THE OBSCURE AND TREMENDOUS
POETRY OF THE MODERN WORLD, AND

IT IS THE OBSCURE AND TREMENDOUS
POETRY OF THE MODERN WORLD, AND
IT GIVES YOU A TRAGIC SHUDDER.

POETRY OF THE MODERN WORLD, AND
IT GIVES YOU A TRAGIC SHUDDER.
THERE IS IN IT SO MUCH OF MAD

IT GIVES YOU A TRAGIC SHUDDER.
THERE IS IN IT SO MUCH OF MAD
AND WILLFUL HUMANITY."

THERE IS IN IT SO MUCH OF MAD
AND WILLFUL HUMANITY."
PAUL BOURGET.

AND WILLFUL HUMANITY."
PAUL BOURGET.
Narrator: ON A FREEZING COLD

PAUL BOURGET.
Narrator: ON A FREEZING COLD
DAY IN EARLY JANUARY 1904, WITH

Narrator: ON A FREEZING COLD
DAY IN EARLY JANUARY 1904, WITH
THE TEMPERATURE HOVERING AT 15

DAY IN EARLY JANUARY 1904, WITH
THE TEMPERATURE HOVERING AT 15
BELOW ZERO, 30-YEAR-OLD AL SMITH

THE TEMPERATURE HOVERING AT 15
BELOW ZERO, 30-YEAR-OLD AL SMITH
ARRIVED IN ALBANY TO BE SWORN IN

BELOW ZERO, 30-YEAR-OLD AL SMITH
ARRIVED IN ALBANY TO BE SWORN IN
FOR HIS FIRST TERM IN THE NEW

ARRIVED IN ALBANY TO BE SWORN IN
FOR HIS FIRST TERM IN THE NEW
YORK STATE LEGISLATURE.

FOR HIS FIRST TERM IN THE NEW
YORK STATE LEGISLATURE.
THE HARDWORKING YOUNG MAN FROM

YORK STATE LEGISLATURE.
THE HARDWORKING YOUNG MAN FROM
THE LOWER EAST SIDE OF NEW YORK

THE HARDWORKING YOUNG MAN FROM
THE LOWER EAST SIDE OF NEW YORK
WAS SHOCKED BY HIS RECEPTION IN

THE LOWER EAST SIDE OF NEW YORK
WAS SHOCKED BY HIS RECEPTION IN
THE CAPITAL, WHICH WAS EVEN MORE

WAS SHOCKED BY HIS RECEPTION IN
THE CAPITAL, WHICH WAS EVEN MORE
FRIGID THAN THE WEATHER.

THE CAPITAL, WHICH WAS EVEN MORE
FRIGID THAN THE WEATHER.
ALL THROUGH HIS FIRST TERM,

FRIGID THAN THE WEATHER.
ALL THROUGH HIS FIRST TERM,
IGNORED BY SENIOR MEMBERS AND

ALL THROUGH HIS FIRST TERM,
IGNORED BY SENIOR MEMBERS AND
PASSED OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN FOR

IGNORED BY SENIOR MEMBERS AND
PASSED OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN FOR
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS, HE SAT

PASSED OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN FOR
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS, HE SAT
SILENTLY IN THE LAST ROW OF THE

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS, HE SAT
SILENTLY IN THE LAST ROW OF THE
HIGH-CEILINGED CHAMBER,

SILENTLY IN THE LAST ROW OF THE
HIGH-CEILINGED CHAMBER,
BEWILDERED BY THE INTRICACIES OF

HIGH-CEILINGED CHAMBER,
BEWILDERED BY THE INTRICACIES OF
THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS AND

BEWILDERED BY THE INTRICACIES OF
THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS AND
DAUNTED BY ALBANY'S ELABORATE

THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS AND
DAUNTED BY ALBANY'S ELABORATE
POLITICAL RITUALS.

DAUNTED BY ALBANY'S ELABORATE
POLITICAL RITUALS.
DURING HIS ENTIRE FIRST SESSION

POLITICAL RITUALS.
DURING HIS ENTIRE FIRST SESSION
IN THE ASSEMBLY, HE DID NOT MAKE

DURING HIS ENTIRE FIRST SESSION
IN THE ASSEMBLY, HE DID NOT MAKE
A SINGLE SPEECH.

Robert A. Caro: NOT ONLY WAS
HE NOT EDUCATED, BECAUSE HE

HE NOT EDUCATED, BECAUSE HE
DIDN'T HAVE MUCH SCHOOLING, BUT

DIDN'T HAVE MUCH SCHOOLING, BUT
HE DIDN'T LIKE TO READ, AND HE

HE DIDN'T LIKE TO READ, AND HE
ONCE SAID THE ONLY BOOK HE EVER

ONCE SAID THE ONLY BOOK HE EVER
READ ALL THE WAY THROUGH IN HIS

READ ALL THE WAY THROUGH IN HIS
LIFE WAS THE LIFE OF JOHN L.

LIFE WAS THE LIFE OF JOHN L.
SULLIVAN.
BUT HE TAUGHT HIMSELF STATE

BUT HE TAUGHT HIMSELF STATE
GOVERNMENT BY SIMPLY READING
EVERY BILL THAT HE COULD READ

GOVERNMENT BY SIMPLY READING
EVERY BILL THAT HE COULD READ
INTO THE LATE HOURS OF THE

EVERY BILL THAT HE COULD READ
INTO THE LATE HOURS OF THE
NIGHT, NIGHT AFTER NIGHT.

INTO THE LATE HOURS OF THE
NIGHT, NIGHT AFTER NIGHT.
PEOPLE STARTED TO LISTEN TO HIM,

NIGHT, NIGHT AFTER NIGHT.
PEOPLE STARTED TO LISTEN TO HIM,
BECAUSE SOMEHOW ALL THESE

PEOPLE STARTED TO LISTEN TO HIM,
BECAUSE SOMEHOW ALL THESE
ASSEMBLYMEN REALIZED, BECAUSE HE

BECAUSE SOMEHOW ALL THESE
ASSEMBLYMEN REALIZED, BECAUSE HE
HAD BEEN READING ALL THESE BILLS

ASSEMBLYMEN REALIZED, BECAUSE HE
HAD BEEN READING ALL THESE BILLS
AND NO MATTER WHAT THE SUBJECT

HAD BEEN READING ALL THESE BILLS
AND NO MATTER WHAT THE SUBJECT
WAS, THIS GUY SMITH KNEW ABOUT

AND NO MATTER WHAT THE SUBJECT
WAS, THIS GUY SMITH KNEW ABOUT
IT.

WAS, THIS GUY SMITH KNEW ABOUT
IT.
HE HAD A GRASP OF STATE

IT.
HE HAD A GRASP OF STATE
GOVERNMENT THAT NO ONE ELSE HAD.

HE HAD A GRASP OF STATE
GOVERNMENT THAT NO ONE ELSE HAD.
Narrator: SLOWLY BUT SURELY,

GOVERNMENT THAT NO ONE ELSE HAD.
Narrator: SLOWLY BUT SURELY,
HE BEGAN TO MAKE A NAME FOR

Narrator: SLOWLY BUT SURELY,
HE BEGAN TO MAKE A NAME FOR
HIMSELF.

HE BEGAN TO MAKE A NAME FOR
HIMSELF.
AS HIS INFLUENCE GREW, AND HIS

HIMSELF.
AS HIS INFLUENCE GREW, AND HIS
CONFIDENCE, HE SPOKE MORE AND

AS HIS INFLUENCE GREW, AND HIS
CONFIDENCE, HE SPOKE MORE AND
MORE OFTEN FROM THE FLOOR OF THE

CONFIDENCE, HE SPOKE MORE AND
MORE OFTEN FROM THE FLOOR OF THE
ASSEMBLY, WITH THE EASY COMIC

MORE OFTEN FROM THE FLOOR OF THE
ASSEMBLY, WITH THE EASY COMIC
CHARM OF A NATURAL-BORN ACTOR,

ASSEMBLY, WITH THE EASY COMIC
CHARM OF A NATURAL-BORN ACTOR,
ON SUBJECTS HE HAD MASTERED IN

CHARM OF A NATURAL-BORN ACTOR,
ON SUBJECTS HE HAD MASTERED IN
STUNNING DETAIL.

ON SUBJECTS HE HAD MASTERED IN
STUNNING DETAIL.
IN 1908, AS HIS REPUTATION GREW,

STUNNING DETAIL.
IN 1908, AS HIS REPUTATION GREW,
SILENT CHARLIE MURPHY, A BOSS OF

IN 1908, AS HIS REPUTATION GREW,
SILENT CHARLIE MURPHY, A BOSS OF
TAMMANY HALL, CAME UP TO GET A

SILENT CHARLIE MURPHY, A BOSS OF
TAMMANY HALL, CAME UP TO GET A
BETTER LOOK AT HIS RAPIDLY

TAMMANY HALL, CAME UP TO GET A
BETTER LOOK AT HIS RAPIDLY
RISING YOUNG STAR.

BETTER LOOK AT HIS RAPIDLY
RISING YOUNG STAR.
Caro: MURPHY'S REACTION TO

RISING YOUNG STAR.
Caro: MURPHY'S REACTION TO
SMITH IS FASCINATING.

Caro: MURPHY'S REACTION TO
SMITH IS FASCINATING.
HE HAD NEVER HAD A CONVERSATION

SMITH IS FASCINATING.
HE HAD NEVER HAD A CONVERSATION
WITH HIM, AND WHEN HE REALIZED

HE HAD NEVER HAD A CONVERSATION
WITH HIM, AND WHEN HE REALIZED
THAT SMITH MIGHT BE SOMETHING

WITH HIM, AND WHEN HE REALIZED
THAT SMITH MIGHT BE SOMETHING
VERY SPECIAL, HE CALLED HIM IN

THAT SMITH MIGHT BE SOMETHING
VERY SPECIAL, HE CALLED HIM IN
FOR A LONG TALK, AND HE HAD A

VERY SPECIAL, HE CALLED HIM IN
FOR A LONG TALK, AND HE HAD A
COUPLE OF HIS ADVISORS THERE,

FOR A LONG TALK, AND HE HAD A
COUPLE OF HIS ADVISORS THERE,
AND AT THE END OF THE TALK, ONE

COUPLE OF HIS ADVISORS THERE,
AND AT THE END OF THE TALK, ONE
OF THE ADVISORS SAID TO SILENT

AND AT THE END OF THE TALK, ONE
OF THE ADVISORS SAID TO SILENT
CHARLIE, "YOU KNOW, AL SMITH

OF THE ADVISORS SAID TO SILENT
CHARLIE, "YOU KNOW, AL SMITH
NEVER WENT TO COLLEGE."

CHARLIE, "YOU KNOW, AL SMITH
NEVER WENT TO COLLEGE."
AND MURPHY LOOKED AT HIM AND

NEVER WENT TO COLLEGE."
AND MURPHY LOOKED AT HIM AND
SAID, "IF HE WENT TO COLLEGE, HE

AND MURPHY LOOKED AT HIM AND
SAID, "IF HE WENT TO COLLEGE, HE
WOULDN'T BE AL SMITH."

SAID, "IF HE WENT TO COLLEGE, HE
WOULDN'T BE AL SMITH."
Narrator: BY HIS THIRD TERM,

WOULDN'T BE AL SMITH."
Narrator: BY HIS THIRD TERM,
HE WAS BEGINNING TO ENJOY

Narrator: BY HIS THIRD TERM,
HE WAS BEGINNING TO ENJOY
HIMSELF IN ALBANY.

HE WAS BEGINNING TO ENJOY
HIMSELF IN ALBANY.
MORE AND MORE OFTEN NOW, HE

HIMSELF IN ALBANY.
MORE AND MORE OFTEN NOW, HE
THREW DINNER PARTIES FOR HIS

MORE AND MORE OFTEN NOW, HE
THREW DINNER PARTIES FOR HIS
COLLEAGUES AT KEELER'S

THREW DINNER PARTIES FOR HIS
COLLEAGUES AT KEELER'S
RESTAURANT ON STATE STREET,

COLLEAGUES AT KEELER'S
RESTAURANT ON STATE STREET,
REGALING THEM WITH TALES FROM

RESTAURANT ON STATE STREET,
REGALING THEM WITH TALES FROM
HIS CHILDHOOD ON THE LOWER EAST

REGALING THEM WITH TALES FROM
HIS CHILDHOOD ON THE LOWER EAST
SIDE.

HIS CHILDHOOD ON THE LOWER EAST
SIDE.
BY THEN, THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD IN

SIDE.
BY THEN, THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD IN
THE FOURTH WARD, IN THE SHADOW

BY THEN, THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD IN
THE FOURTH WARD, IN THE SHADOW
OF THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE, HAD BEEN

THE FOURTH WARD, IN THE SHADOW
OF THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE, HAD BEEN
CHANGED BEYOND RECOGNITION BY

OF THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE, HAD BEEN
CHANGED BEYOND RECOGNITION BY
THE TREMENDOUS INFLUX OF

CHANGED BEYOND RECOGNITION BY
THE TREMENDOUS INFLUX OF
NEWCOMERS.

THE TREMENDOUS INFLUX OF
NEWCOMERS.
Reader: "EVERY FOUR YEARS,

NEWCOMERS.
Reader: "EVERY FOUR YEARS,
NEW YORK ADDS TO ITSELF A CITY

Reader: "EVERY FOUR YEARS,
NEW YORK ADDS TO ITSELF A CITY
THE SIZE OF BOSTON OR ST. LOUIS.

NEW YORK ADDS TO ITSELF A CITY
THE SIZE OF BOSTON OR ST. LOUIS.
IT IS THE LARGEST JEWISH CITY IN

THE SIZE OF BOSTON OR ST. LOUIS.
IT IS THE LARGEST JEWISH CITY IN
THE WORLD, THE LARGEST IRISH

IT IS THE LARGEST JEWISH CITY IN
THE WORLD, THE LARGEST IRISH
CITY, ONE OF THE LARGEST GERMAN

THE WORLD, THE LARGEST IRISH
CITY, ONE OF THE LARGEST GERMAN
CITIES.

CITY, ONE OF THE LARGEST GERMAN
CITIES.
MORE THAN 700,000 RUSSIANS CALL

CITIES.
MORE THAN 700,000 RUSSIANS CALL
IT HOME, AND IT HOUSES MORE

MORE THAN 700,000 RUSSIANS CALL
IT HOME, AND IT HOUSES MORE
ITALIANS THAN ROME.

IT HOME, AND IT HOUSES MORE
ITALIANS THAN ROME.
NEW YORK IS THE GREAT WHIRLPOOL

ITALIANS THAN ROME.
NEW YORK IS THE GREAT WHIRLPOOL
OF THE RACES."

NEW YORK IS THE GREAT WHIRLPOOL
OF THE RACES."
EDWIN HILL.

OF THE RACES."
EDWIN HILL.
Jackson: NO CITY WAS MORE

EDWIN HILL.
Jackson: NO CITY WAS MORE
APPROPRIATE TO BECOME THE

Jackson: NO CITY WAS MORE
APPROPRIATE TO BECOME THE
IMMIGRANT METROPOLIS THAN NEW

APPROPRIATE TO BECOME THE
IMMIGRANT METROPOLIS THAN NEW
YORK.

IMMIGRANT METROPOLIS THAN NEW
YORK.
FROM THE TIME OF INITIAL DUTCH

YORK.
FROM THE TIME OF INITIAL DUTCH
SETTLEMENT IN THE 1620s, ALL

FROM THE TIME OF INITIAL DUTCH
SETTLEMENT IN THE 1620s, ALL
THROUGH THE 17th AND 18th AND

SETTLEMENT IN THE 1620s, ALL
THROUGH THE 17th AND 18th AND
19th CENTURIES, BY ANY

THROUGH THE 17th AND 18th AND
19th CENTURIES, BY ANY
COMPARISON IN THE WORLD, NEW

19th CENTURIES, BY ANY
COMPARISON IN THE WORLD, NEW
YORK CITY WAS A MULTICULTURAL,

COMPARISON IN THE WORLD, NEW
YORK CITY WAS A MULTICULTURAL,
MULTIETHNIC, HETEROGENEOUS

YORK CITY WAS A MULTICULTURAL,
MULTIETHNIC, HETEROGENEOUS
METROPOLIS.

MULTIETHNIC, HETEROGENEOUS
METROPOLIS.
IT HAD ALREADY ESTABLISHED A

METROPOLIS.
IT HAD ALREADY ESTABLISHED A
KIND OF A TRADITION OF OPENNESS

IT HAD ALREADY ESTABLISHED A
KIND OF A TRADITION OF OPENNESS
TO NEWCOMERS, OF NEVER HAVING A

KIND OF A TRADITION OF OPENNESS
TO NEWCOMERS, OF NEVER HAVING A
SINGLE DOMINANT CULTURE.

TO NEWCOMERS, OF NEVER HAVING A
SINGLE DOMINANT CULTURE.
BUT STILL, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT

SINGLE DOMINANT CULTURE.
BUT STILL, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT
THE INCREDIBLE MIGRATION BETWEEN

BUT STILL, WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT
THE INCREDIBLE MIGRATION BETWEEN
LET'S SAY ROUGHLY 1880 AND 1925,

THE INCREDIBLE MIGRATION BETWEEN
LET'S SAY ROUGHLY 1880 AND 1925,
WHEN MILLIONS OF PEOPLE COME TO

LET'S SAY ROUGHLY 1880 AND 1925,
WHEN MILLIONS OF PEOPLE COME TO
THE CITY, NOT JUST COME TO THE

WHEN MILLIONS OF PEOPLE COME TO
THE CITY, NOT JUST COME TO THE
UNITED STATES, COME THROUGH NEW

THE CITY, NOT JUST COME TO THE
UNITED STATES, COME THROUGH NEW
YORK CITY EVERY YEAR, AND THEY

UNITED STATES, COME THROUGH NEW
YORK CITY EVERY YEAR, AND THEY
TRANSFORM THE CITY.

YORK CITY EVERY YEAR, AND THEY
TRANSFORM THE CITY.
Narrator: EVEN BY THE

TRANSFORM THE CITY.
Narrator: EVEN BY THE
STANDARDS THE CITY ITSELF HAD

Narrator: EVEN BY THE
STANDARDS THE CITY ITSELF HAD
SET, THE MAMMOTH INFLUX OF

STANDARDS THE CITY ITSELF HAD
SET, THE MAMMOTH INFLUX OF
PEOPLES WAS WITHOUT PRECEDENT IN

SET, THE MAMMOTH INFLUX OF
PEOPLES WAS WITHOUT PRECEDENT IN
WORLD HISTORY.

PEOPLES WAS WITHOUT PRECEDENT IN
WORLD HISTORY.
BY 1905, FOUR OUT OF FIVE NEW

WORLD HISTORY.
BY 1905, FOUR OUT OF FIVE NEW
YORKERS WERE NOW EITHER THE

BY 1905, FOUR OUT OF FIVE NEW
YORKERS WERE NOW EITHER THE
CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANTS OR

YORKERS WERE NOW EITHER THE
CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANTS OR
IMMIGRANTS THEMSELVES.

CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANTS OR
IMMIGRANTS THEMSELVES.
NO FEWER THAN 70% OF THE CITY'S

IMMIGRANTS THEMSELVES.
NO FEWER THAN 70% OF THE CITY'S
PUBLIC SCHOOLCHILDREN HAD BEEN

NO FEWER THAN 70% OF THE CITY'S
PUBLIC SCHOOLCHILDREN HAD BEEN
BORN OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY.

PUBLIC SCHOOLCHILDREN HAD BEEN
BORN OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY.
FOREVER AFTER, MANY AMERICANS

BORN OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY.
FOREVER AFTER, MANY AMERICANS
WOULD VIEW NEW YORK AS A KIND OF

FOREVER AFTER, MANY AMERICANS
WOULD VIEW NEW YORK AS A KIND OF
FOREIGN COUNTRY.

WOULD VIEW NEW YORK AS A KIND OF
FOREIGN COUNTRY.
Jackson: BY 1900, THE LOWER

FOREIGN COUNTRY.
Jackson: BY 1900, THE LOWER
EAST SIDE WAS, AT LEAST TO AN

Jackson: BY 1900, THE LOWER
EAST SIDE WAS, AT LEAST TO AN
AMERICAN, WAS NOT AN AMERICAN

EAST SIDE WAS, AT LEAST TO AN
AMERICAN, WAS NOT AN AMERICAN
PLACE, BECAUSE IT WAS THE

AMERICAN, WAS NOT AN AMERICAN
PLACE, BECAUSE IT WAS THE
STRANGE BABBLE OF TONGUES OF

PLACE, BECAUSE IT WAS THE
STRANGE BABBLE OF TONGUES OF
EASTERN EUROPEAN JEWS, OR LITTLE

STRANGE BABBLE OF TONGUES OF
EASTERN EUROPEAN JEWS, OR LITTLE
ITALYS HAD SPRUNG UP, COMPLETELY

EASTERN EUROPEAN JEWS, OR LITTLE
ITALYS HAD SPRUNG UP, COMPLETELY
ETHNIC NEIGHBORHOODS THAT WERE

ITALYS HAD SPRUNG UP, COMPLETELY
ETHNIC NEIGHBORHOODS THAT WERE
NOT SEPARATE UNTO THEMSELVES,

ETHNIC NEIGHBORHOODS THAT WERE
NOT SEPARATE UNTO THEMSELVES,
BUT IF YOU HAD BEEN WALKING ON

NOT SEPARATE UNTO THEMSELVES,
BUT IF YOU HAD BEEN WALKING ON
THE STREETS, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN

BUT IF YOU HAD BEEN WALKING ON
THE STREETS, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN
HARD TO TELL WHAT COUNTRY YOU

THE STREETS, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN
HARD TO TELL WHAT COUNTRY YOU
WERE IN AT THE TIME.

HARD TO TELL WHAT COUNTRY YOU
WERE IN AT THE TIME.
Martin Scorsese: MOST OF

WERE IN AT THE TIME.
Martin Scorsese: MOST OF
ELIZABETH STREET WAS SICILIAN,

Martin Scorsese: MOST OF
ELIZABETH STREET WAS SICILIAN,
CAME FROM SICILY.

AND WHAT THAT MEANS IS THAT A
COUPLE OF THE IMMIGRANTS CAME

COUPLE OF THE IMMIGRANTS CAME
OVER ON A BOAT, 1901, 1902,

OVER ON A BOAT, 1901, 1902,
1910, AND THEY WERE LUCKY ENOUGH

1910, AND THEY WERE LUCKY ENOUGH
TO GET A JOB AND LUCKIER TO GET

TO GET A JOB AND LUCKIER TO GET
TWO ROOMS... WE USED TO CALL THEM

TWO ROOMS... WE USED TO CALL THEM
ROOMS, NOT APARTMENTS... IN THE

ROOMS, NOT APARTMENTS... IN THE
TENEMENTS.
WHAT WAS HAPPENING AT 232

WHAT WAS HAPPENING AT 232
ELIZABETH STREET WAS THAT PEOPLE
FROM ONE TOWN IN SICILY WERE

ELIZABETH STREET WAS THAT PEOPLE
FROM ONE TOWN IN SICILY WERE
COMING IN AND STAYING IN THAT

FROM ONE TOWN IN SICILY WERE
COMING IN AND STAYING IN THAT
ONE BUILDING, SO THAT 232 BECAME

COMING IN AND STAYING IN THAT
ONE BUILDING, SO THAT 232 BECAME
CIMINNA, WHICH IS A BEAUTIFUL

ONE BUILDING, SO THAT 232 BECAME
CIMINNA, WHICH IS A BEAUTIFUL
TOWN OUTSIDE OF PALERMO THAT MY

CIMINNA, WHICH IS A BEAUTIFUL
TOWN OUTSIDE OF PALERMO THAT MY
MOTHER'S MOTHER COMES FROM.

TOWN OUTSIDE OF PALERMO THAT MY
MOTHER'S MOTHER COMES FROM.
NOW, 241 ACROSS THE STREET, THE

MOTHER'S MOTHER COMES FROM.
NOW, 241 ACROSS THE STREET, THE
SAME THING WAS HAPPENING BUT

NOW, 241 ACROSS THE STREET, THE
SAME THING WAS HAPPENING BUT
MAINLY FROM PEOPLE FROM POLIZZI,

SAME THING WAS HAPPENING BUT
MAINLY FROM PEOPLE FROM POLIZZI,
POLIZZI GENEROSA, WHICH IS ALSO

MAINLY FROM PEOPLE FROM POLIZZI,
POLIZZI GENEROSA, WHICH IS ALSO
OUTSIDE OF PALERMO, BUT HIGHER

POLIZZI GENEROSA, WHICH IS ALSO
OUTSIDE OF PALERMO, BUT HIGHER
IN THE MOUNTAINS.

OUTSIDE OF PALERMO, BUT HIGHER
IN THE MOUNTAINS.
THAT'S WHERE MY FATHER'S FATHER

IN THE MOUNTAINS.
THAT'S WHERE MY FATHER'S FATHER
COMES FROM.

THAT'S WHERE MY FATHER'S FATHER
COMES FROM.
SO THEY WERE ACROSS THE STREET,

COMES FROM.
SO THEY WERE ACROSS THE STREET,
AND WHEN MY MOTHER SAID THAT SHE

SO THEY WERE ACROSS THE STREET,
AND WHEN MY MOTHER SAID THAT SHE
MET MY FATHER, THERE WAS A

AND WHEN MY MOTHER SAID THAT SHE
MET MY FATHER, THERE WAS A
PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY WERE

MET MY FATHER, THERE WAS A
PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY WERE
DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES.

PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY WERE
DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES.
SHE USED THE PHRASE "DIFFERENT

DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES.
SHE USED THE PHRASE "DIFFERENT
NATIONALITIES."

SHE USED THE PHRASE "DIFFERENT
NATIONALITIES."
IN REALITY, IT'S JUST FROM

NATIONALITIES."
IN REALITY, IT'S JUST FROM
DIFFERENT VILLAGES, REALLY.

IN REALITY, IT'S JUST FROM
DIFFERENT VILLAGES, REALLY.
Narrator: IN COMING TO NEW

DIFFERENT VILLAGES, REALLY.
Narrator: IN COMING TO NEW
YORK, THE IMMIGRANTS HAD NOT

Narrator: IN COMING TO NEW
YORK, THE IMMIGRANTS HAD NOT
ONLY CROSSED AN OCEAN; THEY HAD,

YORK, THE IMMIGRANTS HAD NOT
ONLY CROSSED AN OCEAN; THEY HAD,
IN MOST CASES, EXCHANGED AN

ONLY CROSSED AN OCEAN; THEY HAD,
IN MOST CASES, EXCHANGED AN
ANCIENT WAY OF LIFE FOR THE MOST

IN MOST CASES, EXCHANGED AN
ANCIENT WAY OF LIFE FOR THE MOST
MODERN AND FRENETIC ENVIRONMENT

ANCIENT WAY OF LIFE FOR THE MOST
MODERN AND FRENETIC ENVIRONMENT
ON EARTH.

MODERN AND FRENETIC ENVIRONMENT
ON EARTH.
THE OLD VILLAGE MIGHT HAVE BEEN

ON EARTH.
THE OLD VILLAGE MIGHT HAVE BEEN
"WRETCHED," THE WRITER IRVING

THE OLD VILLAGE MIGHT HAVE BEEN
"WRETCHED," THE WRITER IRVING
HOWE LATER SAID, "BUT IT WAS A

"WRETCHED," THE WRITER IRVING
HOWE LATER SAID, "BUT IT WAS A
THOROUGHLY KNOWN PLACE, WHERE

HOWE LATER SAID, "BUT IT WAS A
THOROUGHLY KNOWN PLACE, WHERE
ONE'S ANCESTORS LAY BURIED.

THOROUGHLY KNOWN PLACE, WHERE
ONE'S ANCESTORS LAY BURIED.
IT DID NOT LOOM UP TO TERRIFYING

ONE'S ANCESTORS LAY BURIED.
IT DID NOT LOOM UP TO TERRIFYING
HEIGHTS.

IT DID NOT LOOM UP TO TERRIFYING
HEIGHTS.
IT REQUIRED NO SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE

HEIGHTS.
IT REQUIRED NO SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE
OF MACHINES IN SHOPS OR ON

IT REQUIRED NO SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE
OF MACHINES IN SHOPS OR ON
TROLLEYS, AND IT SELDOM HAD MUCH

OF MACHINES IN SHOPS OR ON
TROLLEYS, AND IT SELDOM HAD MUCH
TO DO WITH THE RIGORS OF THE

TROLLEYS, AND IT SELDOM HAD MUCH
TO DO WITH THE RIGORS OF THE
CLOCK."

Daniel Czitrom: I THINK THAT
THERE IS A TREMENDOUS SENSE AS

THERE IS A TREMENDOUS SENSE AS
WELL OF PEOPLE MAKING A LEAP

WELL OF PEOPLE MAKING A LEAP
FROM, IN MANY CASES, LIFE THAT

FROM, IN MANY CASES, LIFE THAT
WAS LIKE THE MIDDLE AGES INTO

WAS LIKE THE MIDDLE AGES INTO
THE MOST MODERN COSMOPOLIS IN

THE MOST MODERN COSMOPOLIS IN
THE WORLD.
I MEAN, THINK ABOUT THESE PEOPLE

I MEAN, THINK ABOUT THESE PEOPLE
COMING FROM PLACES LIKE RUSSIA
OR POLAND IN WHICH LIFE WAS

COMING FROM PLACES LIKE RUSSIA
OR POLAND IN WHICH LIFE WAS
REALLY NOT ALL THAT DIFFERENT

OR POLAND IN WHICH LIFE WAS
REALLY NOT ALL THAT DIFFERENT
THAN IT HAD BEEN A COUPLE

REALLY NOT ALL THAT DIFFERENT
THAN IT HAD BEEN A COUPLE
HUNDRED YEARS AGO.

THAN IT HAD BEEN A COUPLE
HUNDRED YEARS AGO.
THEN YOU'RE COMING TO NEW YORK,

HUNDRED YEARS AGO.
THEN YOU'RE COMING TO NEW YORK,
WHERE YOU'RE IN SORT OF THE MOST

THEN YOU'RE COMING TO NEW YORK,
WHERE YOU'RE IN SORT OF THE MOST
MODERN CITY OF THE WORLD.

WHERE YOU'RE IN SORT OF THE MOST
MODERN CITY OF THE WORLD.
YOU'RE MAKING AN ENORMOUS LEAP

MODERN CITY OF THE WORLD.
YOU'RE MAKING AN ENORMOUS LEAP
INTO MODERNITY.

YOU'RE MAKING AN ENORMOUS LEAP
INTO MODERNITY.
Marshall Berman: THE JEWS WHO

INTO MODERNITY.
Marshall Berman: THE JEWS WHO
COME AT THE TIME COME FROM A

Marshall Berman: THE JEWS WHO
COME AT THE TIME COME FROM A
MILLION DIFFERENT PLACES, THOUGH

COME AT THE TIME COME FROM A
MILLION DIFFERENT PLACES, THOUGH
MOSTLY FROM EASTERN EUROPE, AND

MILLION DIFFERENT PLACES, THOUGH
MOSTLY FROM EASTERN EUROPE, AND
YOU HAVE PEOPLE FROM EVERY CLASS

MOSTLY FROM EASTERN EUROPE, AND
YOU HAVE PEOPLE FROM EVERY CLASS
IN SOCIETY COMING.

YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE RICH IN
THE OLD COUNTRY AND WHO LOST IT

THE OLD COUNTRY AND WHO LOST IT
ALL, AND THEN YOU HAVE PEOPLE

ALL, AND THEN YOU HAVE PEOPLE
WHO ARE IN THE MIDDLE AND WHO

WHO ARE IN THE MIDDLE AND WHO
COME WITH A LITTLE BIT OF

COME WITH A LITTLE BIT OF
PROPERTY, AND THEN, MOST PEOPLE

PROPERTY, AND THEN, MOST PEOPLE
COME WITH NOTHING.
THEY COME... ALL THEY COME WITH

THEY COME... ALL THEY COME WITH
IS THEIR CAPACITY FOR LABOR
POWER AND THE IDEAS IN THEIR

IS THEIR CAPACITY FOR LABOR
POWER AND THE IDEAS IN THEIR
HEADS AND THE CAPACITY TO THINK.

POWER AND THE IDEAS IN THEIR
HEADS AND THE CAPACITY TO THINK.
AND HEGEL SAYS THAT'S THE MOST

HEADS AND THE CAPACITY TO THINK.
AND HEGEL SAYS THAT'S THE MOST
IMPORTANT KIND OF CAPITAL FOR

AND HEGEL SAYS THAT'S THE MOST
IMPORTANT KIND OF CAPITAL FOR
MODERN MAN, THE CAPACITY TO

IMPORTANT KIND OF CAPITAL FOR
MODERN MAN, THE CAPACITY TO
THINK, AND IF YOU'VE GOT THAT,

MODERN MAN, THE CAPACITY TO
THINK, AND IF YOU'VE GOT THAT,
YOU CAN MAKE UP FOR EVERYTHING

THINK, AND IF YOU'VE GOT THAT,
YOU CAN MAKE UP FOR EVERYTHING
ELSE THAT YOU DON'T HAVE.

YOU CAN MAKE UP FOR EVERYTHING
ELSE THAT YOU DON'T HAVE.
Stern: THE QUESTION IS HOW

ELSE THAT YOU DON'T HAVE.
Stern: THE QUESTION IS HOW
DOES IT COME THAT NEW YORK

Stern: THE QUESTION IS HOW
DOES IT COME THAT NEW YORK
ATTRACTED ALL OF THIS ENERGY,

DOES IT COME THAT NEW YORK
ATTRACTED ALL OF THIS ENERGY,
WAS ABLE TO CHANNEL ALL OF THIS

ATTRACTED ALL OF THIS ENERGY,
WAS ABLE TO CHANNEL ALL OF THIS
ENERGY?

WAS ABLE TO CHANNEL ALL OF THIS
ENERGY?
AND ONE IS THE GEOGRAPHY THING.

ENERGY?
AND ONE IS THE GEOGRAPHY THING.
TWO IS THE ENERGY OF THE PEOPLE

AND ONE IS THE GEOGRAPHY THING.
TWO IS THE ENERGY OF THE PEOPLE
WHO ARE HERE WHO BROUGHT WITH

TWO IS THE ENERGY OF THE PEOPLE
WHO ARE HERE WHO BROUGHT WITH
THEM PENT-UP... GENERATIONS OF

WHO ARE HERE WHO BROUGHT WITH
THEM PENT-UP... GENERATIONS OF
PENT-UP UNFULFILLMENT FROM WHERE

THEM PENT-UP... GENERATIONS OF
PENT-UP UNFULFILLMENT FROM WHERE
THEY CAME FROM.

PENT-UP UNFULFILLMENT FROM WHERE
THEY CAME FROM.
THE IRISH HAD BEEN PUT DOWN IN

THEY CAME FROM.
THE IRISH HAD BEEN PUT DOWN IN
IRELAND FOR A LONG TIME, SO THEY

THE IRISH HAD BEEN PUT DOWN IN
IRELAND FOR A LONG TIME, SO THEY
CAME HERE, AND, BY GOD, THEY

IRELAND FOR A LONG TIME, SO THEY
CAME HERE, AND, BY GOD, THEY
WERE GOING TO MAKE IT IN

CAME HERE, AND, BY GOD, THEY
WERE GOING TO MAKE IT IN
AMERICA; THEY WERE GOING TO SHOW

WERE GOING TO MAKE IT IN
AMERICA; THEY WERE GOING TO SHOW
WHAT THE IRISH REALLY COULD DO.

AMERICA; THEY WERE GOING TO SHOW
WHAT THE IRISH REALLY COULD DO.
AND THEN THE GERMANS WHO CAME

WHAT THE IRISH REALLY COULD DO.
AND THEN THE GERMANS WHO CAME
WERE NOT THE GERMANS WHO WERE

AND THEN THE GERMANS WHO CAME
WERE NOT THE GERMANS WHO WERE
HAPPY AT HOME.

WERE NOT THE GERMANS WHO WERE
HAPPY AT HOME.
THEY WERE THE GERMANS WHO WERE

HAPPY AT HOME.
THEY WERE THE GERMANS WHO WERE
TICKED OFF AT HOME.

THEY WERE THE GERMANS WHO WERE
TICKED OFF AT HOME.
BUT IF YOU PUT ALL THE CHINESE

TICKED OFF AT HOME.
BUT IF YOU PUT ALL THE CHINESE
OR ALL THE EASTERN EUROPEAN JEWS

BUT IF YOU PUT ALL THE CHINESE
OR ALL THE EASTERN EUROPEAN JEWS
OR ALL THE IRISH IN THE CITY,

OR ALL THE EASTERN EUROPEAN JEWS
OR ALL THE IRISH IN THE CITY,
AND THEY ARE IN CONCENTRATED

OR ALL THE IRISH IN THE CITY,
AND THEY ARE IN CONCENTRATED
AREAS, AND THEY'RE FIVE, SEVEN

AND THEY ARE IN CONCENTRATED
AREAS, AND THEY'RE FIVE, SEVEN
STORIES HIGH IN MISERABLE

AREAS, AND THEY'RE FIVE, SEVEN
STORIES HIGH IN MISERABLE
HOUSING, THEY HAVE TO BE OUT ON

STORIES HIGH IN MISERABLE
HOUSING, THEY HAVE TO BE OUT ON
THE STREETS, AND THEY HAVE TO BE

HOUSING, THEY HAVE TO BE OUT ON
THE STREETS, AND THEY HAVE TO BE
STRUGGLING TO DO SOMETHING

THE STREETS, AND THEY HAVE TO BE
STRUGGLING TO DO SOMETHING
BETTER SO THEY CAN GET OUT OF

STRUGGLING TO DO SOMETHING
BETTER SO THEY CAN GET OUT OF
THAT AWFUL HOUSING, WELL, THAT'S

BETTER SO THEY CAN GET OUT OF
THAT AWFUL HOUSING, WELL, THAT'S
GOING TO BE... THAT'S YOUR

THAT AWFUL HOUSING, WELL, THAT'S
GOING TO BE... THAT'S YOUR
ENGINE.

Kathy Peiss: OFTEN WHEN THEY
CAME, THEY WERE SHOCKED TO

CAME, THEY WERE SHOCKED TO
DISCOVER THAT THIS WASN'T WHAT

DISCOVER THAT THIS WASN'T WHAT
THEY THOUGHT IT WOULD BE.
AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF ACCOUNTS

AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF ACCOUNTS
OF IMMIGRANTS TALKING ABOUT LIFE
ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE AS BEING

OF IMMIGRANTS TALKING ABOUT LIFE
ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE AS BEING
SO FAR AWAY FROM WHAT THEY

ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE AS BEING
SO FAR AWAY FROM WHAT THEY
IMAGINED THE LAND OF DOLLARS TO

SO FAR AWAY FROM WHAT THEY
IMAGINED THE LAND OF DOLLARS TO
BE, OR THE STREETS PAVED WITH

IMAGINED THE LAND OF DOLLARS TO
BE, OR THE STREETS PAVED WITH
GOLD.

BE, OR THE STREETS PAVED WITH
GOLD.
THERE'S A GREAT DEAL OF SORROW

GOLD.
THERE'S A GREAT DEAL OF SORROW
AND SENSE OF LOSS FOR MANY

THERE'S A GREAT DEAL OF SORROW
AND SENSE OF LOSS FOR MANY
IMMIGRANTS.

AND SENSE OF LOSS FOR MANY
IMMIGRANTS.
Jackson: BY 1900, THE MOST

IMMIGRANTS.
Jackson: BY 1900, THE MOST
CROWDED NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE

Jackson: BY 1900, THE MOST
CROWDED NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE
WORLD ARE IN NEW YORK CITY,

CROWDED NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE
WORLD ARE IN NEW YORK CITY,
ESPECIALLY ON THE LOWER EAST

WORLD ARE IN NEW YORK CITY,
ESPECIALLY ON THE LOWER EAST
SIDE, BUT ALSO IN EAST HARLEM.

ESPECIALLY ON THE LOWER EAST
SIDE, BUT ALSO IN EAST HARLEM.
CONDITIONS WERE ABYSMAL.

SIDE, BUT ALSO IN EAST HARLEM.
CONDITIONS WERE ABYSMAL.
WE DON'T NEED TO EXAGGERATE WHEN

CONDITIONS WERE ABYSMAL.
WE DON'T NEED TO EXAGGERATE WHEN
WE SAY THAT IT'S POSSIBLE THAT

WE DON'T NEED TO EXAGGERATE WHEN
WE SAY THAT IT'S POSSIBLE THAT
HOUSING CONDITIONS IN NEW YORK

WE SAY THAT IT'S POSSIBLE THAT
HOUSING CONDITIONS IN NEW YORK
CITY, CERTAINLY CROWDING,

HOUSING CONDITIONS IN NEW YORK
CITY, CERTAINLY CROWDING,
EXCEEDED ANYTHING THAT THE WORLD

CITY, CERTAINLY CROWDING,
EXCEEDED ANYTHING THAT THE WORLD
HAS EVER KNOWN BEFORE OR SINCE.

EXCEEDED ANYTHING THAT THE WORLD
HAS EVER KNOWN BEFORE OR SINCE.
Narrator: CROWDED INTO

HAS EVER KNOWN BEFORE OR SINCE.
Narrator: CROWDED INTO
STIFLING, OFTEN LIGHTLESS

Narrator: CROWDED INTO
STIFLING, OFTEN LIGHTLESS
TENEMENTS, IMMIGRANTS ESCAPED

STIFLING, OFTEN LIGHTLESS
TENEMENTS, IMMIGRANTS ESCAPED
WHENEVER THEY COULD TO THE

TENEMENTS, IMMIGRANTS ESCAPED
WHENEVER THEY COULD TO THE
STREET.

WHENEVER THEY COULD TO THE
STREET.
BLOCK AFTER BLOCK, FROM LONG

STREET.
BLOCK AFTER BLOCK, FROM LONG
BEFORE DAWN UNTIL LONG AFTER

BLOCK AFTER BLOCK, FROM LONG
BEFORE DAWN UNTIL LONG AFTER
DARK, THE STREETS WERE ONE VAST,

BEFORE DAWN UNTIL LONG AFTER
DARK, THE STREETS WERE ONE VAST,
RAUCOUS, OPEN-AIR BAZAAR,

DARK, THE STREETS WERE ONE VAST,
RAUCOUS, OPEN-AIR BAZAAR,
TEEMING WITH PEDDLERS AND

RAUCOUS, OPEN-AIR BAZAAR,
TEEMING WITH PEDDLERS AND
VENDORS OF EVERY KIND, HAWKING

TEEMING WITH PEDDLERS AND
VENDORS OF EVERY KIND, HAWKING
THEIR WARES FROM THE SIDEWALKS

VENDORS OF EVERY KIND, HAWKING
THEIR WARES FROM THE SIDEWALKS
OR FROM PUSHCARTS RENTED FOR TEN

THEIR WARES FROM THE SIDEWALKS
OR FROM PUSHCARTS RENTED FOR TEN
CENTS A DAY.

OR FROM PUSHCARTS RENTED FOR TEN
CENTS A DAY.
BY 1900, THE STREETS OF THE

CENTS A DAY.
BY 1900, THE STREETS OF THE
LOWER EAST SIDE WERE JAMMED WITH

BY 1900, THE STREETS OF THE
LOWER EAST SIDE WERE JAMMED WITH
MORE THAN 25,000 PUSHCARTS,

LOWER EAST SIDE WERE JAMMED WITH
MORE THAN 25,000 PUSHCARTS,
WHICH SOLD EVERYTHING FROM

MORE THAN 25,000 PUSHCARTS,
WHICH SOLD EVERYTHING FROM
VEGETABLES TO POTS AND PANS,

WHICH SOLD EVERYTHING FROM
VEGETABLES TO POTS AND PANS,
SHOELACES, BOLTS OF CLOTH,

VEGETABLES TO POTS AND PANS,
SHOELACES, BOLTS OF CLOTH,
TOOLS, AND CROCKERY.

SHOELACES, BOLTS OF CLOTH,
TOOLS, AND CROCKERY.
IN THE POOREST WARDS, PEDDLERS

TOOLS, AND CROCKERY.
IN THE POOREST WARDS, PEDDLERS
SOLD GOODS IN MINUTE QUANTITIES:

IN THE POOREST WARDS, PEDDLERS
A SINGLE CANDLE, THE WING OF A

A SINGLE CANDLE, THE WING OF A
CHICKEN, ONE EGG, OR JUST THE

A SINGLE CANDLE, THE WING OF A
CHICKEN, ONE EGG, OR JUST THE
YOLK OF ONE EGG.

CHICKEN, ONE EGG, OR JUST THE
YOLK OF ONE EGG.
Reader: "FORGET YOUR PAST,

YOLK OF ONE EGG.
Reader: "FORGET YOUR PAST,
YOUR CUSTOMS, YOUR IDEALS.

Reader: "FORGET YOUR PAST,
YOUR CUSTOMS, YOUR IDEALS.
SELECT A GOAL AND PURSUE IT WITH

YOUR CUSTOMS, YOUR IDEALS.
SELECT A GOAL AND PURSUE IT WITH
ALL YOUR MIGHT.

SELECT A GOAL AND PURSUE IT WITH
ALL YOUR MIGHT.
YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A BAD TIME,

ALL YOUR MIGHT.
YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A BAD TIME,
BUT SOONER OR LATER YOU WILL

YOU WILL EXPERIENCE A BAD TIME,
BUT SOONER OR LATER YOU WILL
ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL.

BUT SOONER OR LATER YOU WILL
ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL.
DO NOT

ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL.
DO NOT
TAKE A MOMENT'S REST.

DO NOT
TAKE A MOMENT'S REST.
RUN, DO, WORK, AND KEEP YOUR OWN

TAKE A MOMENT'S REST.
RUN, DO, WORK, AND KEEP YOUR OWN
GOOD IN MIND.

RUN, DO, WORK, AND KEEP YOUR OWN
GOOD IN MIND.
A FINAL VIRTUE IS NEEDED IN

GOOD IN MIND.
A FINAL VIRTUE IS NEEDED IN
AMERICA, CALLED CHEEK.

A FINAL VIRTUE IS NEEDED IN
AMERICA, CALLED CHEEK.
DO NOT SAY, 'I CANNOT; I DO NOT

AMERICA, CALLED CHEEK.
DO NOT SAY, 'I CANNOT; I DO NOT
KNOW.'"

DO NOT SAY, 'I CANNOT; I DO NOT
KNOW.'"
G.M. PRICE.

Peter Quinn: YOU TAKE
WHATEVER IS AVAILABLE TO

WHATEVER IS AVAILABLE TO
SURVIVE.

SURVIVE.
PEOPLE CAN GET SANCTIMONIOUS

PEOPLE CAN GET SANCTIMONIOUS
ABOUT IMMIGRANT GROUPS AND WHAT

ABOUT IMMIGRANT GROUPS AND WHAT
THEY DO, BUT THEY DO WHAT THEY

THEY DO, BUT THEY DO WHAT THEY
HAVE TO DO TO SURVIVE.
THAT'S ALSO A LAW OF THE CITY.

THAT'S ALSO A LAW OF THE CITY.
IT IS A LAW FROM THE BEGINNING,
AND IT WILL BE AT THE END, AND

IT IS A LAW FROM THE BEGINNING,
AND IT WILL BE AT THE END, AND
THAT'S NOT ALWAYS GOING TO WORK

AND IT WILL BE AT THE END, AND
THAT'S NOT ALWAYS GOING TO WORK
ON WALL STREET, BECAUSE THAT'S

THAT'S NOT ALWAYS GOING TO WORK
ON WALL STREET, BECAUSE THAT'S
NOT ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE.

ON WALL STREET, BECAUSE THAT'S
NOT ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE.
CITIES ARE ALSO ABOUT PEOPLE

NOT ACCESSIBLE TO PEOPLE.
CITIES ARE ALSO ABOUT PEOPLE
COMING FROM ONE ENVIRONMENT AND

CITIES ARE ALSO ABOUT PEOPLE
COMING FROM ONE ENVIRONMENT AND
REALLY MAKING A TREMENDOUS

COMING FROM ONE ENVIRONMENT AND
REALLY MAKING A TREMENDOUS
ADJUSTMENT INTO ANOTHER AND

REALLY MAKING A TREMENDOUS
ADJUSTMENT INTO ANOTHER AND
DOING WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO TO

ADJUSTMENT INTO ANOTHER AND
DOING WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO TO
SURVIVE.

DOING WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO TO
SURVIVE.
THAT IS NOT OFTEN A PRETTY

SURVIVE.
THAT IS NOT OFTEN A PRETTY
PICTURE IN CITIES, OR NOT ALWAYS

THAT IS NOT OFTEN A PRETTY
PICTURE IN CITIES, OR NOT ALWAYS
A PRETTY PICTURE.

PICTURE IN CITIES, OR NOT ALWAYS
A PRETTY PICTURE.
Hamill: NOBODY DRAGGED THEM

A PRETTY PICTURE.
Hamill: NOBODY DRAGGED THEM
HERE.

Hamill: NOBODY DRAGGED THEM
HERE.
NOBODY BROUGHT THEM HERE IN

HERE.
NOBODY BROUGHT THEM HERE IN
CHAINS.

NOBODY BROUGHT THEM HERE IN
CHAINS.
THEY CAME EXHILARATED BY WHAT

CHAINS.
THEY CAME EXHILARATED BY WHAT
WAS HERE, BY THE POSSIBILITY OF

THEY CAME EXHILARATED BY WHAT
WAS HERE, BY THE POSSIBILITY OF
IT.

WAS HERE, BY THE POSSIBILITY OF
IT.
IN MY CASE, MY PARENTS ARE BOTH

IT.
IN MY CASE, MY PARENTS ARE BOTH
CATHOLICS FROM BELFAST, SO THE

IN MY CASE, MY PARENTS ARE BOTH
CATHOLICS FROM BELFAST, SO THE
SENSE THAT THEIR CHILDREN AND

CATHOLICS FROM BELFAST, SO THE
SENSE THAT THEIR CHILDREN AND
THEY THEMSELVES COULD FUNCTION

SENSE THAT THEIR CHILDREN AND
THEY THEMSELVES COULD FUNCTION
IN A PLACE WHERE NOBODY WAS

THEY THEMSELVES COULD FUNCTION
IN A PLACE WHERE NOBODY WAS
GOING TO ASK THEIR RELIGION WAS

IN A PLACE WHERE NOBODY WAS
GOING TO ASK THEIR RELIGION WAS
AMAZING.

GOING TO ASK THEIR RELIGION WAS
AMAZING.
THE CASE OF THE JEWS IS, OF

AMAZING.
THE CASE OF THE JEWS IS, OF
COURSE, THE GREAT EXAMPLE, YOU

THE CASE OF THE JEWS IS, OF
COURSE, THE GREAT EXAMPLE, YOU
KNOW?

COURSE, THE GREAT EXAMPLE, YOU
KNOW?
TO GO IN ONE GENERATION FROM THE

KNOW?
TO GO IN ONE GENERATION FROM THE
SHTETL TO HAVE YOUR KIDS

TO GO IN ONE GENERATION FROM THE
SHTETL TO HAVE YOUR KIDS
GRADUATE FROM UNIVERSITIES IN

SHTETL TO HAVE YOUR KIDS
GRADUATE FROM UNIVERSITIES IN
ONE GENERATION IS AMAZING.

GRADUATE FROM UNIVERSITIES IN
ONE GENERATION IS AMAZING.
AND THAT ENERGY THAT CHALLENGED

ONE GENERATION IS AMAZING.
AND THAT ENERGY THAT CHALLENGED
THE QUESTIONING THAT GOES ON

AND THAT ENERGY THAT CHALLENGED
THE QUESTIONING THAT GOES ON
WITH SOMEONE WHO'S NEW, SAYING,

THE QUESTIONING THAT GOES ON
WITH SOMEONE WHO'S NEW, SAYING,
"WHY IS THAT HERE?

WITH SOMEONE WHO'S NEW, SAYING,
"WHY IS THAT HERE?
WHY DOES IT WORK THAT WAY?

"WHY IS THAT HERE?
WHY DOES IT WORK THAT WAY?
WHY DO YOU DO IT THAT WAY?

WHY DOES IT WORK THAT WAY?
WHY DO YOU DO IT THAT WAY?
WHAT IF WE DO IT THIS WAY?,"

WHY DO YOU DO IT THAT WAY?
WHAT IF WE DO IT THIS WAY?,"
THAT KIND OF ENERGY, I THINK,

WHAT IF WE DO IT THIS WAY?,"
THAT KIND OF ENERGY, I THINK,
WAS THE ESSENCE OF IT.

THAT KIND OF ENERGY, I THINK,
WAS THE ESSENCE OF IT.
Narrator: FOR MOST, THE

WAS THE ESSENCE OF IT.
Narrator: FOR MOST, THE
PROCESS OF ASSIMILATION TOOK

Narrator: FOR MOST, THE
PROCESS OF ASSIMILATION TOOK
PLACE WITH REMARKABLE SPEED.

PROCESS OF ASSIMILATION TOOK
PLACE WITH REMARKABLE SPEED.
IN LESS THAN A SINGLE

PLACE WITH REMARKABLE SPEED.
IN LESS THAN A SINGLE
GENERATION... IN JUST TEN YEARS,

IN LESS THAN A SINGLE
GENERATION... IN JUST TEN YEARS,
ON AVERAGE... MOST FAMILIES ON

GENERATION... IN JUST TEN YEARS,
ON AVERAGE... MOST FAMILIES ON
THE LOWER EAST SIDE HAD MOVED UP

ON AVERAGE... MOST FAMILIES ON
THE LOWER EAST SIDE HAD MOVED UP
OR ON.

THE LOWER EAST SIDE HAD MOVED UP
OR ON.
Jackson: THE JEWS START A

OR ON.
Jackson: THE JEWS START A
LITTLE BIT HIGHER IN THE SENSE

Jackson: THE JEWS START A
LITTLE BIT HIGHER IN THE SENSE
THAT THEY COME WITH SKILLS,

LITTLE BIT HIGHER IN THE SENSE
THAT THEY COME WITH SKILLS,
NEEDLE TRADES OFTEN, AND A

THAT THEY COME WITH SKILLS,
NEEDLE TRADES OFTEN, AND A
LITTLE BIT MORE MONEY IN THEIR

NEEDLE TRADES OFTEN, AND A
LITTLE BIT MORE MONEY IN THEIR
POCKET, AND RISE HIGHER.

LITTLE BIT MORE MONEY IN THEIR
POCKET, AND RISE HIGHER.
BUT THE ITALIANS ALSO RISE

POCKET, AND RISE HIGHER.
BUT THE ITALIANS ALSO RISE
RAPIDLY, SO THAT WHAT YOU HAVE

BUT THE ITALIANS ALSO RISE
RAPIDLY, SO THAT WHAT YOU HAVE
IN THIS CAULDRON DOWN IN LOWER

RAPIDLY, SO THAT WHAT YOU HAVE
IN THIS CAULDRON DOWN IN LOWER
MANHATTAN, YOU HAVE THESE GROUPS

IN THIS CAULDRON DOWN IN LOWER
MANHATTAN, YOU HAVE THESE GROUPS
MAKING AN ASTONISHING CHANGE IN

MANHATTAN, YOU HAVE THESE GROUPS
MAKING AN ASTONISHING CHANGE IN
THE SPACE OF A SINGLE GENERATION

MAKING AN ASTONISHING CHANGE IN
THE SPACE OF A SINGLE GENERATION
OR TWO, SO THAT NEW YORK IS WHAT

THE SPACE OF A SINGLE GENERATION
OR TWO, SO THAT NEW YORK IS WHAT
IT WAS ADVERTISED.

OR TWO, SO THAT NEW YORK IS WHAT
IT WAS ADVERTISED.
IT WAS A CITY OF OPPORTUNITY IN

IT WAS ADVERTISED.
IT WAS A CITY OF OPPORTUNITY IN
THE NATION.

IT WAS A CITY OF OPPORTUNITY IN
THE NATION.
WAS IT RAGS TO RICHES?

THE NATION.
WAS IT RAGS TO RICHES?
NO.

WAS IT RAGS TO RICHES?
NO.
BUT TO GET A SOLID JOB, TO GET A

NO.
BUT TO GET A SOLID JOB, TO GET A
FOOTHOLD IN THE LAND, TO CHANGE

BUT TO GET A SOLID JOB, TO GET A
FOOTHOLD IN THE LAND, TO CHANGE
FROM THAT PEASANT STATUS THAT

FOOTHOLD IN THE LAND, TO CHANGE
FROM THAT PEASANT STATUS THAT
YOU'D KNOWN, NEW YORK TURNS OUT

FROM THAT PEASANT STATUS THAT
YOU'D KNOWN, NEW YORK TURNS OUT
TO BE THE BEST PLACE IN THE

YOU'D KNOWN, NEW YORK TURNS OUT
TO BE THE BEST PLACE IN THE
UNITED STATES TO DO THAT BETWEEN

TO BE THE BEST PLACE IN THE
UNITED STATES TO DO THAT BETWEEN
ABOUT 1880 AND CERTAINLY 1925.

UNITED STATES TO DO THAT BETWEEN
ABOUT 1880 AND CERTAINLY 1925.
Hamill: THE ABSOLUTE DEMAND

ABOUT 1880 AND CERTAINLY 1925.
Hamill: THE ABSOLUTE DEMAND
OF THE CITY THAT YOU GET TO KNOW

Hamill: THE ABSOLUTE DEMAND
OF THE CITY THAT YOU GET TO KNOW
EACH OTHER BECAUSE YOU HAD TO...

OF THE CITY THAT YOU GET TO KNOW
EACH OTHER BECAUSE YOU HAD TO...
YOU COULDN'T REALLY STAY IN A

EACH OTHER BECAUSE YOU HAD TO...
YOU COULDN'T REALLY STAY IN A
GHETTO AND FUNCTION.

YOU COULDN'T REALLY STAY IN A
GHETTO AND FUNCTION.
YOU HAD TO LEAVE THE GHETTO TO

GHETTO AND FUNCTION.
YOU HAD TO LEAVE THE GHETTO TO
GO TO WORK.

YOU HAD TO LEAVE THE GHETTO TO
GO TO WORK.
YOU HAD TO GO TO MANHATTAN; YOU

GO TO WORK.
YOU HAD TO GO TO MANHATTAN; YOU
HAD TO GO TO MIDTOWN; YOU HAD TO

YOU HAD TO GO TO MANHATTAN; YOU
HAD TO GO TO MIDTOWN; YOU HAD TO
GO UPTOWN; YOU HAD TO GO DOWN...

HAD TO GO TO MIDTOWN; YOU HAD TO
GO UPTOWN; YOU HAD TO GO DOWN...
WHEREVER IT WAS.

GO UPTOWN; YOU HAD TO GO DOWN...
WHEREVER IT WAS.
PEOPLE MOVED, AND THE SUBWAY

WHEREVER IT WAS.
PEOPLE MOVED, AND THE SUBWAY
THEN BECAME ONE OF THESE GREAT

PEOPLE MOVED, AND THE SUBWAY
THEN BECAME ONE OF THESE GREAT
BINDING ELEMENTS IN THE CITY

THEN BECAME ONE OF THESE GREAT
BINDING ELEMENTS IN THE CITY
THAT MOVED PEOPLE AROUND AND PUT

BINDING ELEMENTS IN THE CITY
THAT MOVED PEOPLE AROUND AND PUT
THEM UP AGAINST EACH OTHER.

THAT MOVED PEOPLE AROUND AND PUT
THEM UP AGAINST EACH OTHER.
AND SOMETIMES THEY CAME UP

THEM UP AGAINST EACH OTHER.
AND SOMETIMES THEY CAME UP
AGAINST EACH OTHER IN CONFLICT,

AND SOMETIMES THEY CAME UP
AGAINST EACH OTHER IN CONFLICT,
BUT THE CONFLICT DIDN'T EVER

AGAINST EACH OTHER IN CONFLICT,
BUT THE CONFLICT DIDN'T EVER
LAST VERY LONG.

BUT THE CONFLICT DIDN'T EVER
LAST VERY LONG.
THE IRISH FOUGHT THE ITALIANS

LAST VERY LONG.
THE IRISH FOUGHT THE ITALIANS
UNTIL THEY STARTED MARRYING

THE IRISH FOUGHT THE ITALIANS
UNTIL THEY STARTED MARRYING
THEM, AND THEN THEY BOTH FOUGHT

UNTIL THEY STARTED MARRYING
THEM, AND THEN THEY BOTH FOUGHT
THE JEWS UNTIL THEY STARTED

THEM, AND THEN THEY BOTH FOUGHT
THE JEWS UNTIL THEY STARTED
MARRYING THEM.

Ruth J. Abram: IT'S A
CONSTANT NEGOTIATION: HOW MUCH

HOW MUCH
WILL I LET GO OF WHO I HAVE

WILL I LET GO OF WHO I HAVE
BEEN, AND HOW MUCH WILL I TAKE

BEEN, AND HOW MUCH WILL I TAKE
ON OF A NEW PERSONA?
AND THAT IS TRUE WITHIN A

AND THAT IS TRUE WITHIN A
FAMILY, AND IT IS TRUE FOR AN
INDIVIDUAL, PARENTS WANTING THE

FAMILY, AND IT IS TRUE FOR AN
INDIVIDUAL, PARENTS WANTING THE
CHILDREN TO MAINTAIN TRADITIONS

INDIVIDUAL, PARENTS WANTING THE
CHILDREN TO MAINTAIN TRADITIONS
THAT HAVE HELPED DEFINE THEIR

CHILDREN TO MAINTAIN TRADITIONS
THAT HAVE HELPED DEFINE THEIR
OWN LIVES FROM THEIR OWN

THAT HAVE HELPED DEFINE THEIR
OWN LIVES FROM THEIR OWN
CULTURE, THEIR OWN RELIGIOUS

OWN LIVES FROM THEIR OWN
CULTURE, THEIR OWN RELIGIOUS
GROUP, THEIR OWN RACIAL GROUP,

CULTURE, THEIR OWN RELIGIOUS
GROUP, THEIR OWN RACIAL GROUP,
THEIR OWN LANGUAGE GROUP, AND

GROUP, THEIR OWN RACIAL GROUP,
THEIR OWN LANGUAGE GROUP, AND
THE CHILDREN WANTING TO BE

THEIR OWN LANGUAGE GROUP, AND
THE CHILDREN WANTING TO BE
AMERICAN, AND THAT OFTEN TO THE

THE CHILDREN WANTING TO BE
AMERICAN, AND THAT OFTEN TO THE
CHILDREN MEANS SLOUGHING OFF

AMERICAN, AND THAT OFTEN TO THE
CHILDREN MEANS SLOUGHING OFF
THESE OTHER, WHAT THEY WOULD

CHILDREN MEANS SLOUGHING OFF
THESE OTHER, WHAT THEY WOULD
CONSIDER VESTIGES OF THE OLD

THESE OTHER, WHAT THEY WOULD
CONSIDER VESTIGES OF THE OLD
WAYS.

CONSIDER VESTIGES OF THE OLD
WAYS.
FOR THE PARENTS, THIS IS WHO WE

WAYS.
FOR THE PARENTS, THIS IS WHO WE
ARE, AND THIS CONFLICT IS SET

FOR THE PARENTS, THIS IS WHO WE
ARE, AND THIS CONFLICT IS SET
UP.

ARE, AND THIS CONFLICT IS SET
UP.
Reader: "WE HAVE TO BE

UP.
Reader: "WE HAVE TO BE
AMERICANS.

Reader: "WE HAVE TO BE
AMERICANS.
WE SHALL BE.

AMERICANS.
WE SHALL BE.
WE SHALL LEARN ENGLISH.

WE SHALL BE.
WE SHALL LEARN ENGLISH.
WE SHALL LOVE AMERICA AND HELP

WE SHALL LEARN ENGLISH.
WE SHALL LOVE AMERICA AND HELP
TO BUILD AMERICA.

WE SHALL LOVE AMERICA AND HELP
TO BUILD AMERICA.
WE SHALL ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEW

TO BUILD AMERICA.
WE SHALL ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEW
WORLD 100 TIMES MORE THAN WE

WE SHALL ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEW
WORLD 100 TIMES MORE THAN WE
COULD IN THE OLD.

WORLD 100 TIMES MORE THAN WE
COULD IN THE OLD.
BUT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO

COULD IN THE OLD.
BUT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO
ERASE THE OLD HOME FROM YOUR

BUT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO
ERASE THE OLD HOME FROM YOUR
HEART.

ERASE THE OLD HOME FROM YOUR
HEART.
THE HEART WILL BE DRAWN

HEART.
THE HEART WILL BE DRAWN
ELSEWHERE.

THE HEART WILL BE DRAWN
ELSEWHERE.
AND IN YOUR SOLITUDE, IMAGES

ELSEWHERE.
AND IN YOUR SOLITUDE, IMAGES
WILL RISE UP AND STARE IN YOUR

AND IN YOUR SOLITUDE, IMAGES
WILL RISE UP AND STARE IN YOUR
FACES WITH ETERNAL SORROW."

WILL RISE UP AND STARE IN YOUR
FACES WITH ETERNAL SORROW."
ABRAHAM CAHAN.

FACES WITH ETERNAL SORROW."
ABRAHAM CAHAN.
Reader: "WHAT IS A NEW

ABRAHAM CAHAN.
Reader: "WHAT IS A NEW
YORKER?

Reader: "WHAT IS A NEW
YORKER?
IS HE JEW OR IRISH?

YORKER?
IS HE JEW OR IRISH?
IS HE ENGLISH OR GERMAN?

IS HE JEW OR IRISH?
IS HE ENGLISH OR GERMAN?
IS HE RUSSIAN OR POLISH?

IS HE ENGLISH OR GERMAN?
IS HE RUSSIAN OR POLISH?
HE MAY BE SOMETHING OF ALL

IS HE RUSSIAN OR POLISH?
HE MAY BE SOMETHING OF ALL
THESE, AND YET HE IS WHOLLY NONE

HE MAY BE SOMETHING OF ALL
THESE, AND YET HE IS WHOLLY NONE
OF THEM.

THESE, AND YET HE IS WHOLLY NONE
OF THEM.
SOMETHING HAS BEEN ADDED WHICH

OF THEM.
SOMETHING HAS BEEN ADDED WHICH
HE HAD NOT BEFORE.

SOMETHING HAS BEEN ADDED WHICH
HE HAD NOT BEFORE.
HE IS QUICKER IN HIS MOVEMENT,

HE HAD NOT BEFORE.
HE IS QUICKER IN HIS MOVEMENT,
LESS TRAMMELED IN HIS JUDGMENT.

HE IS QUICKER IN HIS MOVEMENT,
LESS TRAMMELED IN HIS JUDGMENT.
THOUGH HE MAY LOSE WISDOM IN

LESS TRAMMELED IN HIS JUDGMENT.
THOUGH HE MAY LOSE WISDOM IN
SHARPENING HIS WIT, THE CHANGE

THOUGH HE MAY LOSE WISDOM IN
SHARPENING HIS WIT, THE CHANGE
IS UNMISTAKABLE.

SHARPENING HIS WIT, THE CHANGE
IS UNMISTAKABLE.
NEW YORK, INDEED, RESEMBLES A

IS UNMISTAKABLE.
NEW YORK, INDEED, RESEMBLES A
MAGIC CAULDRON.

NEW YORK, INDEED, RESEMBLES A
MAGIC CAULDRON.
THOSE CAST INTO IT ARE BORN

MAGIC CAULDRON.
THOSE CAST INTO IT ARE BORN
AGAIN."

THOSE CAST INTO IT ARE BORN
AGAIN."
CHARLES WHIBLE.

AGAIN."
CHARLES WHIBLE.
Wallace: THE ASTONISHING

CHARLES WHIBLE.
Wallace: THE ASTONISHING
PHENOMENON IS THAT THESE PEOPLE

Wallace: THE ASTONISHING
PHENOMENON IS THAT THESE PEOPLE
ARE ATTRACTED BECAUSE THERE ARE

PHENOMENON IS THAT THESE PEOPLE
ARE ATTRACTED BECAUSE THERE ARE
JOB POSSIBILITIES HERE, AND TO

ARE ATTRACTED BECAUSE THERE ARE
JOB POSSIBILITIES HERE, AND TO
AN AMAZING EXTENT, THE JOB

JOB POSSIBILITIES HERE, AND TO
AN AMAZING EXTENT, THE JOB
POSSIBILITIES ARE INVOLVED IN

AN AMAZING EXTENT, THE JOB
POSSIBILITIES ARE INVOLVED IN
PROVIDING THE GOODS AND SERVICES

POSSIBILITIES ARE INVOLVED IN
PROVIDING THE GOODS AND SERVICES
FOR THE NEWCOMERS WHO ARE

PROVIDING THE GOODS AND SERVICES
FOR THE NEWCOMERS WHO ARE
ARRIVING.

FOR THE NEWCOMERS WHO ARE
ARRIVING.
WHAT YOU SET UP IS THIS

ARRIVING.
WHAT YOU SET UP IS THIS
ASTONISHING SELF-FULFILLING,

WHAT YOU SET UP IS THIS
ASTONISHING SELF-FULFILLING,
FEEDING-ON-ITSELF STATE OF

ASTONISHING SELF-FULFILLING,
FEEDING-ON-ITSELF STATE OF
AFFAIRS.

FEEDING-ON-ITSELF STATE OF
AFFAIRS.
BUT THERE'S ALSO THE FUNDAMENTAL

AFFAIRS.
BUT THERE'S ALSO THE FUNDAMENTAL
FACT OF WHAT'S MAKING THE

BUT THERE'S ALSO THE FUNDAMENTAL
FACT OF WHAT'S MAKING THE
ECONOMY GO.

FACT OF WHAT'S MAKING THE
ECONOMY GO.
THE PORT IS EXPLODING, AND AS

ECONOMY GO.
THE PORT IS EXPLODING, AND AS
THE PORT EXPLODES, PARTLY

THE PORT IS EXPLODING, AND AS
THE PORT EXPLODES, PARTLY
BECAUSE ALL THOSE IMMIGRANTS ARE

THE PORT EXPLODES, PARTLY
BECAUSE ALL THOSE IMMIGRANTS ARE
COMING IN, THOSE IMMIGRANTS ARE

BECAUSE ALL THOSE IMMIGRANTS ARE
COMING IN, THOSE IMMIGRANTS ARE
THE ONES WHO ARE WORKING

COMING IN, THOSE IMMIGRANTS ARE
THE ONES WHO ARE WORKING
UNLOADING THE GOODS AND

THE ONES WHO ARE WORKING
UNLOADING THE GOODS AND
SERVICES.

UNLOADING THE GOODS AND
SERVICES.
Narrator: BY 1900, THE

SERVICES.
Narrator: BY 1900, THE
MILLIONS OF NEWCOMERS POURING

Narrator: BY 1900, THE
MILLIONS OF NEWCOMERS POURING
INTO NEW YORK WERE PROPELLING AN

MILLIONS OF NEWCOMERS POURING
INTO NEW YORK WERE PROPELLING AN
ERA OF EXPANSION AND PHYSICAL

INTO NEW YORK WERE PROPELLING AN
ERA OF EXPANSION AND PHYSICAL
GROWTH WITHOUT PRECEDENT IN THE

ERA OF EXPANSION AND PHYSICAL
GROWTH WITHOUT PRECEDENT IN THE
CITY'S HISTORY.

GROWTH WITHOUT PRECEDENT IN THE
CITY'S HISTORY.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, IN LITTLE

CITY'S HISTORY.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, IN LITTLE
MORE THAN A DECADE, THEY WOULD

IN THE YEARS TO COME, IN LITTLE
MORE THAN A DECADE, THEY WOULD
FILL OUT AND THEN DRAW TOGETHER

MORE THAN A DECADE, THEY WOULD
FILL OUT AND THEN DRAW TOGETHER
THE FIVE SEPARATE BOROUGHS OF

FILL OUT AND THEN DRAW TOGETHER
THE FIVE SEPARATE BOROUGHS OF
THE METROPOLIS, TRANSFORMING NEW

THE FIVE SEPARATE BOROUGHS OF
THE METROPOLIS, TRANSFORMING NEW
YORK ALONG THE WAY INTO THE MOST

THE METROPOLIS, TRANSFORMING NEW
YORK ALONG THE WAY INTO THE MOST
MODERN CITY ON EARTH.

YORK ALONG THE WAY INTO THE MOST
MODERN CITY ON EARTH.
Wallace: ONE OF THE THINGS

MODERN CITY ON EARTH.
Wallace: ONE OF THE THINGS
THAT DROVE PEOPLE CRAZY WAS THAT

Wallace: ONE OF THE THINGS
THAT DROVE PEOPLE CRAZY WAS THAT
YOU'VE NOW GOT THIS HUGE GREATER

THAT DROVE PEOPLE CRAZY WAS THAT
YOU'VE NOW GOT THIS HUGE GREATER
NEW YORK, 370-ODD SQUARE MILES,

YOU'VE NOW GOT THIS HUGE GREATER
NEW YORK, 370-ODD SQUARE MILES,
AND THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE

NEW YORK, 370-ODD SQUARE MILES,
AND THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE
POPULATION IS HUDDLED IN

AND THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE
POPULATION IS HUDDLED IN
MANHATTAN AND DOWN IN THE LOWER

POPULATION IS HUDDLED IN
MANHATTAN AND DOWN IN THE LOWER
EAST SIDE.

MANHATTAN AND DOWN IN THE LOWER
EAST SIDE.
THE BRONX, AT THE TIME OF

EAST SIDE.
THE BRONX, AT THE TIME OF
CONSOLIDATION, WAS STILL A RURAL

THE BRONX, AT THE TIME OF
CONSOLIDATION, WAS STILL A RURAL
BACKWATER.

CONSOLIDATION, WAS STILL A RURAL
BACKWATER.
THE QUESTION IS, YOU KNOW, HOW

BACKWATER.
THE QUESTION IS, YOU KNOW, HOW
ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE

THE QUESTION IS, YOU KNOW, HOW
ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE
CONSOLIDATION REAL?

ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE
CONSOLIDATION REAL?
IT'S LIKE HAMILTON SAID, YOU

CONSOLIDATION REAL?
IT'S LIKE HAMILTON SAID, YOU
YOU CAN WRITE A

IT'S LIKE HAMILTON SAID, YOU
YOU CAN WRITE A
CONSTITUTION, BUT IT'S A PIECE

YOU CAN WRITE A
CONSTITUTION, BUT IT'S A PIECE
OF PAPER; HOW ARE YOU GOING TO

CONSTITUTION, BUT IT'S A PIECE
OF PAPER; HOW ARE YOU GOING TO
MAKE IT REAL?

OF PAPER; HOW ARE YOU GOING TO
MAKE IT REAL?
YOU'VE STILL GOT, YOU KNOW,

MAKE IT REAL?
YOU'VE STILL GOT, YOU KNOW,
MANHATTAN AND BROOKLYN AND ALL

YOU'VE STILL GOT, YOU KNOW,
MANHATTAN AND BROOKLYN AND ALL
THESE SORT OF SCATTERED AREAS.

MANHATTAN AND BROOKLYN AND ALL
THESE SORT OF SCATTERED AREAS.
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO, IN FACT,

THESE SORT OF SCATTERED AREAS.
HOW ARE YOU GOING TO, IN FACT,
INTEGRATE THEM?

HOW ARE YOU GOING TO, IN FACT,
INTEGRATE THEM?
WHAT HAPPENS IS AN EXPLOSION OF,

INTEGRATE THEM?
WHAT HAPPENS IS AN EXPLOSION OF,
YOU KNOW, CONNECTIVITY.

WHAT HAPPENS IS AN EXPLOSION OF,
YOU KNOW, CONNECTIVITY.
WHAT YOU'VE GOT IS, MOST

YOU KNOW, CONNECTIVITY.
WHAT YOU'VE GOT IS, MOST
DRAMATICALLY, THE SUBWAY SYSTEM.

WHAT YOU'VE GOT IS, MOST
DRAMATICALLY, THE SUBWAY SYSTEM.
THE SUBWAYS ARE, IN FACT, THE

DRAMATICALLY, THE SUBWAY SYSTEM.
THE SUBWAYS ARE, IN FACT, THE
THING THAT REALLY MAKE

THE SUBWAYS ARE, IN FACT, THE
THING THAT REALLY MAKE
CONSOLIDATION REAL AND VIABLE.

THING THAT REALLY MAKE
CONSOLIDATION REAL AND VIABLE.
HERE, WITHIN AN INCREDIBLY SHORT

CONSOLIDATION REAL AND VIABLE.
HERE, WITHIN AN INCREDIBLY SHORT
SPACE OF TIME, THERE WERE AN

HERE, WITHIN AN INCREDIBLY SHORT
SPACE OF TIME, THERE WERE AN
UNDERGROUND SET OF LINKAGES

SPACE OF TIME, THERE WERE AN
UNDERGROUND SET OF LINKAGES
PULLING THIS DISPERSED

UNDERGROUND SET OF LINKAGES
PULLING THIS DISPERSED
GEOGRAPHICAL TERRITORY TOGETHER.

PULLING THIS DISPERSED
GEOGRAPHICAL TERRITORY TOGETHER.
Jackson: TO ME, THE REAL

GEOGRAPHICAL TERRITORY TOGETHER.
Jackson: TO ME, THE REAL
ESSENCE OF NEW YORK CITY IS THE

Jackson: TO ME, THE REAL
ESSENCE OF NEW YORK CITY IS THE
SUBWAY SYSTEM.

ESSENCE OF NEW YORK CITY IS THE
SUBWAY SYSTEM.
THE MODERN CITY AS WE KNOW IT IS

SUBWAY SYSTEM.
THE MODERN CITY AS WE KNOW IT IS
IMPOSSIBLE TO CONCEIVE WITHOUT

THE MODERN CITY AS WE KNOW IT IS
IMPOSSIBLE TO CONCEIVE WITHOUT
THIS UNDERGROUND KIND OF TETHER

IMPOSSIBLE TO CONCEIVE WITHOUT
THIS UNDERGROUND KIND OF TETHER
OF TUNNELS.

THIS UNDERGROUND KIND OF TETHER
OF TUNNELS.
PART OF WHICH MAKES NEW YORK NEW

OF TUNNELS.
PART OF WHICH MAKES NEW YORK NEW
YORK... IN FACT, MUCH OF IT... IS

PART OF WHICH MAKES NEW YORK NEW
YORK... IN FACT, MUCH OF IT... IS
INVISIBLE TO THE EYE ABOVE THE

YORK... IN FACT, MUCH OF IT... IS
INVISIBLE TO THE EYE ABOVE THE
STREETS, BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS

INVISIBLE TO THE EYE ABOVE THE
STREETS, BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS
MOVING BELOW THE GROUND, MAKING

STREETS, BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS
MOVING BELOW THE GROUND, MAKING
POSSIBLE THAT CONGESTION AND

MOVING BELOW THE GROUND, MAKING
POSSIBLE THAT CONGESTION AND
THAT INTENSITY WHICH YOU CAN

POSSIBLE THAT CONGESTION AND
THAT INTENSITY WHICH YOU CAN
SEE.

THAT INTENSITY WHICH YOU CAN
SEE.
WITHOUT THAT WHICH YOU CANNOT

SEE.
WITHOUT THAT WHICH YOU CANNOT
SEE, WHAT YOU CAN SEE WOULD BE

WITHOUT THAT WHICH YOU CANNOT
SEE, WHAT YOU CAN SEE WOULD BE
MUCH LESS IMPRESSIVE.

SEE, WHAT YOU CAN SEE WOULD BE
MUCH LESS IMPRESSIVE.
Narrator: "NEW YORKERS WILL

MUCH LESS IMPRESSIVE.
Narrator: "NEW YORKERS WILL
NEVER GO INTO A HOLE IN THE

Narrator: "NEW YORKERS WILL
NEVER GO INTO A HOLE IN THE
GROUND," ONE FINANCIER

NEVER GO INTO A HOLE IN THE
GROUND," ONE FINANCIER
CONFIDENTLY DECLARED, BUT BY

GROUND," ONE FINANCIER
CONFIDENTLY DECLARED, BUT BY
1900, THE CITY HAD LET OUT A

CONFIDENTLY DECLARED, BUT BY
1900, THE CITY HAD LET OUT A
CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION, AND

1900, THE CITY HAD LET OUT A
CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION, AND
WORK HAD BEGUN.

CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION, AND
WORK HAD BEGUN.
OPERATED BY A PRIVATE FIRM

WORK HAD BEGUN.
OPERATED BY A PRIVATE FIRM
CALLED THE INTERBOROUGH RAPID

OPERATED BY A PRIVATE FIRM
CALLED THE INTERBOROUGH RAPID
TRANSIT COMPANY, THE MAMMOTH

CALLED THE INTERBOROUGH RAPID
TRANSIT COMPANY, THE MAMMOTH
PROJECT WAS UNDER THE DIRECTION

TRANSIT COMPANY, THE MAMMOTH
PROJECT WAS UNDER THE DIRECTION
OF A WEALTHY GERMAN JEW NAMED

PROJECT WAS UNDER THE DIRECTION
OF A WEALTHY GERMAN JEW NAMED
AUGUST BELMONT, WHOSE FATHER HAD

OF A WEALTHY GERMAN JEW NAMED
AUGUST BELMONT, WHOSE FATHER HAD
CHANGED THE FAMILY NAME FROM

AUGUST BELMONT, WHOSE FATHER HAD
CHANGED THE FAMILY NAME FROM
SCHAMBURG AND BECOME ONE OF THE

CHANGED THE FAMILY NAME FROM
SCHAMBURG AND BECOME ONE OF THE
RICHEST MEN IN NEW YORK.

SCHAMBURG AND BECOME ONE OF THE
RICHEST MEN IN NEW YORK.
IN FOUR YEARS, BELMONT'S ARMY OF

RICHEST MEN IN NEW YORK.
IN FOUR YEARS, BELMONT'S ARMY OF
7,700 MEN, MOST OF THEM ITALIAN

IN FOUR YEARS, BELMONT'S ARMY OF
7,700 MEN, MOST OF THEM ITALIAN
IMMIGRANTS, WOULD CUT MORE THAN

7,700 MEN, MOST OF THEM ITALIAN
IMMIGRANTS, WOULD CUT MORE THAN
20 MILES OF SUBWAY TUNNEL,

IMMIGRANTS, WOULD CUT MORE THAN
20 MILES OF SUBWAY TUNNEL,
THREADING THEIR WAY THROUGH A

20 MILES OF SUBWAY TUNNEL,
THREADING THEIR WAY THROUGH A
TANGLE OF UNDERGROUND PIPES AND

THREADING THEIR WAY THROUGH A
TANGLE OF UNDERGROUND PIPES AND
CONDUITS, TO BUILD THE MOST

TANGLE OF UNDERGROUND PIPES AND
CONDUITS, TO BUILD THE MOST
MODERN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN

CONDUITS, TO BUILD THE MOST
MODERN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN
THE WORLD.

MODERN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN
THE WORLD.
Joshua Freeman: THERE WAS

THE WORLD.
Joshua Freeman: THERE WAS
NOTHING REVOLUTIONARY ABOUT ANY

Joshua Freeman: THERE WAS
NOTHING REVOLUTIONARY ABOUT ANY
SINGLE PIECE OF THE BUILDING OF

NOTHING REVOLUTIONARY ABOUT ANY
SINGLE PIECE OF THE BUILDING OF
THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY.

SINGLE PIECE OF THE BUILDING OF
THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY.
LONDON HAD A SUBWAY BEFORE THAT.

THERE WERE NO GREAT ENGINEERING
BREAKTHROUGHS.

BREAKTHROUGHS.
WHAT WAS EXTRAORDINARY IS THAT

WHAT WAS EXTRAORDINARY IS THAT
THE SUBWAY SYSTEM WAS BUILT, AT

THE SUBWAY SYSTEM WAS BUILT, AT
LEAST THE HEART OF IT, IN JUST

LEAST THE HEART OF IT, IN JUST
FOUR YEARS, WHILE THE BUSIEST

FOUR YEARS, WHILE THE BUSIEST
CITY IN NORTH AMERICA CONTINUED

CITY IN NORTH AMERICA CONTINUED
TO OPERATE.
SO THE SPEED AND AUDACITY OF

SO THE SPEED AND AUDACITY OF
THIS PROJECT BY MODERN STANDARDS
IS REALLY RATHER AWESOME,

THIS PROJECT BY MODERN STANDARDS
IS REALLY RATHER AWESOME,
BECAUSE THIS REQUIRED OPENING UP

IS REALLY RATHER AWESOME,
BECAUSE THIS REQUIRED OPENING UP
STREETS.

BECAUSE THIS REQUIRED OPENING UP
STREETS.
MOST OF THE SUBWAY IS BUILT BY

STREETS.
MOST OF THE SUBWAY IS BUILT BY
WHAT THEY CALLED "CUT AND

MOST OF THE SUBWAY IS BUILT BY
WHAT THEY CALLED "CUT AND
COVER."

WHAT THEY CALLED "CUT AND
COVER."
THEY WOULD DIG A TRENCH, BUILD

COVER."
THEY WOULD DIG A TRENCH, BUILD
WALLS TO IT, LAY THE FOUNDATION

THEY WOULD DIG A TRENCH, BUILD
WALLS TO IT, LAY THE FOUNDATION
FOR WHAT WOULD BE THE TRACK

WALLS TO IT, LAY THE FOUNDATION
FOR WHAT WOULD BE THE TRACK
LEVEL, AND THEN PUT THE CEILING,

FOR WHAT WOULD BE THE TRACK
LEVEL, AND THEN PUT THE CEILING,
WHICH IS THE STREET,

LEVEL, AND THEN PUT THE CEILING,
WHICH IS THE STREET,
ESSENTIALLY, BACK ON IT, AND DO

WHICH IS THE STREET,
ESSENTIALLY, BACK ON IT, AND DO
THIS RIGHT IN THE HEART OF

ESSENTIALLY, BACK ON IT, AND DO
THIS RIGHT IN THE HEART OF
MANHATTAN.

THIS RIGHT IN THE HEART OF
MANHATTAN.
SO IT HAD 1,000 INDIVIDUAL

MANHATTAN.
SO IT HAD 1,000 INDIVIDUAL
CHALLENGES.

SO IT HAD 1,000 INDIVIDUAL
CHALLENGES.
AND THEN, OF COURSE, THERE WAS

CHALLENGES.
AND THEN, OF COURSE, THERE WAS
ONE CONCEPTUAL BREAKTHROUGH,

AND THEN, OF COURSE, THERE WAS
ONE CONCEPTUAL BREAKTHROUGH,
WHICH WAS THE EXPRESS TRAIN,

ONE CONCEPTUAL BREAKTHROUGH,
WHICH WAS THE EXPRESS TRAIN,
WHICH WAS AN INNOVATION OF THE

WHICH WAS THE EXPRESS TRAIN,
WHICH WAS AN INNOVATION OF THE
NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY SYSTEM,

WHICH WAS AN INNOVATION OF THE
NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY SYSTEM,
WHICH ALLOWED ENORMOUSLY RAPID

NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY SYSTEM,
WHICH ALLOWED ENORMOUSLY RAPID
TRAVEL FROM DISTANT POINTS INTO

WHICH ALLOWED ENORMOUSLY RAPID
TRAVEL FROM DISTANT POINTS INTO
THE CENTER OF THE CITY.

TRAVEL FROM DISTANT POINTS INTO
THE CENTER OF THE CITY.
Stern: THE VERY CONCEPT OF AN

THE CENTER OF THE CITY.
Stern: THE VERY CONCEPT OF AN
EXPRESS SUBWAY TRAIN IS TOTALLY

Stern: THE VERY CONCEPT OF AN
EXPRESS SUBWAY TRAIN IS TOTALLY
UN-EUROPEAN.

EXPRESS SUBWAY TRAIN IS TOTALLY
UN-EUROPEAN.
IN PARIS, THERE IS ONLY ONE

UN-EUROPEAN.
IN PARIS, THERE IS ONLY ONE
TRAIN ON A LINE, GOING IN EACH

IN PARIS, THERE IS ONLY ONE
TRAIN ON A LINE, GOING IN EACH
DIRECTION.

TRAIN ON A LINE, GOING IN EACH
DIRECTION.
HERE WE HAVE LOCAL TRAINS,

DIRECTION.
HERE WE HAVE LOCAL TRAINS,
EXPRESS TRAINS.

HERE WE HAVE LOCAL TRAINS,
EXPRESS TRAINS.
WE HAVE THE MOST COMPLICATED

EXPRESS TRAINS.
WE HAVE THE MOST COMPLICATED
SUBWAY LINE.

WE HAVE THE MOST COMPLICATED
SUBWAY LINE.
IT'S LIKE A NATIONAL RAILROAD

SUBWAY LINE.
IT'S LIKE A NATIONAL RAILROAD
UNDERGROUND, WITH TRAINS THAT GO

IT'S LIKE A NATIONAL RAILROAD
UNDERGROUND, WITH TRAINS THAT GO
TO HARLEM; SOME TRAINS GO UP

UNDERGROUND, WITH TRAINS THAT GO
TO HARLEM; SOME TRAINS GO UP
BROADWAY; SOME GO TO BROOKLYN;

TO HARLEM; SOME TRAINS GO UP
BROADWAY; SOME GO TO BROOKLYN;
SOME TERMINATE AT CITY HALL.

BROADWAY; SOME GO TO BROOKLYN;
SOME TERMINATE AT CITY HALL.
YOU DON'T FIND THAT IN PARIS;

SOME TERMINATE AT CITY HALL.
YOU DON'T FIND THAT IN PARIS;
YOU DON'T FIND THAT IN LONDON.

YOU DON'T FIND THAT IN PARIS;
YOU DON'T FIND THAT IN LONDON.
IT'S ALL RATHER BORING AND

YOU DON'T FIND THAT IN LONDON.
IT'S ALL RATHER BORING AND
SINGLE-MINDED.

IT'S ALL RATHER BORING AND
SINGLE-MINDED.
Jackson: SO WHEN IT OPENS IN

SINGLE-MINDED.
Jackson: SO WHEN IT OPENS IN
1904, IT IS OVERNIGHT THE MOST

Jackson: SO WHEN IT OPENS IN
1904, IT IS OVERNIGHT THE MOST
EXTENSIVE SUBWAY SYSTEM IN THE

1904, IT IS OVERNIGHT THE MOST
EXTENSIVE SUBWAY SYSTEM IN THE
WORLD, AND IT REMAINS SO UNTIL

EXTENSIVE SUBWAY SYSTEM IN THE
WORLD, AND IT REMAINS SO UNTIL
LONG AFTER WORLD WAR II.

WORLD, AND IT REMAINS SO UNTIL
LONG AFTER WORLD WAR II.
BY SOME MEASURES, IT'S STILL THE

LONG AFTER WORLD WAR II.
BY SOME MEASURES, IT'S STILL THE
WORLD'S MOST EXTENSIVE SUBWAY

BY SOME MEASURES, IT'S STILL THE
WORLD'S MOST EXTENSIVE SUBWAY
SYSTEM.

WORLD'S MOST EXTENSIVE SUBWAY
SYSTEM.
Narrator: JUST FOUR YEARS

SYSTEM.
Narrator: JUST FOUR YEARS
AFTER CONSTRUCTION HAD BEGUN,

Narrator: JUST FOUR YEARS
AFTER CONSTRUCTION HAD BEGUN,
THE SYSTEM WAS READY TO BEGIN

AFTER CONSTRUCTION HAD BEGUN,
THE SYSTEM WAS READY TO BEGIN
SERVICE.

THE SYSTEM WAS READY TO BEGIN
SERVICE.
ON OCTOBER 27, 1904, IN AN

SERVICE.
ON OCTOBER 27, 1904, IN AN
EXQUISITELY TILED STATION 30

ON OCTOBER 27, 1904, IN AN
EXQUISITELY TILED STATION 30
FEET BENEATH CITY HALL, MAYOR

EXQUISITELY TILED STATION 30
FEET BENEATH CITY HALL, MAYOR
GEORGE B. McCLELLAN, THE SON OF

FEET BENEATH CITY HALL, MAYOR
GEORGE B. McCLELLAN, THE SON OF
THE FAMOUS CIVIL WAR GENERAL,

GEORGE B. McCLELLAN, THE SON OF
THE FAMOUS CIVIL WAR GENERAL,
WAS PRESENTED A CEREMONIAL

THE FAMOUS CIVIL WAR GENERAL,
WAS PRESENTED A CEREMONIAL
SILVER MOTORMAN'S HANDLE, ALONG

WAS PRESENTED A CEREMONIAL
SILVER MOTORMAN'S HANDLE, ALONG
WITH THE HONOR OF STARTING UP

SILVER MOTORMAN'S HANDLE, ALONG
WITH THE HONOR OF STARTING UP
THE TRAIN FOR ITS FIRST OFFICIAL

WITH THE HONOR OF STARTING UP
THE TRAIN FOR ITS FIRST OFFICIAL
RUN.

THE TRAIN FOR ITS FIRST OFFICIAL
RUN.
AS WORRIED ENGINEERS LOOKED ON,

RUN.
AS WORRIED ENGINEERS LOOKED ON,
THE MAYOR QUICKLY THROTTLED THE

AS WORRIED ENGINEERS LOOKED ON,
THE MAYOR QUICKLY THROTTLED THE
EIGHT-CAR TRAIN UP TO FULL

THE MAYOR QUICKLY THROTTLED THE
EIGHT-CAR TRAIN UP TO FULL
POWER, ROCKETING NORTH THROUGH

EIGHT-CAR TRAIN UP TO FULL
POWER, ROCKETING NORTH THROUGH
THE BLEECKER STREET STATION AT

POWER, ROCKETING NORTH THROUGH
THE BLEECKER STREET STATION AT
45 MILES AN HOUR.

THE BLEECKER STREET STATION AT
45 MILES AN HOUR.
WHEN THE CHIEF ENGINEER

45 MILES AN HOUR.
WHEN THE CHIEF ENGINEER
SUGGESTED HE RELINQUISH THE

WHEN THE CHIEF ENGINEER
SUGGESTED HE RELINQUISH THE
CONTROLS, THE EXHILARATED MAYOR

SUGGESTED HE RELINQUISH THE
CONTROLS, THE EXHILARATED MAYOR
ROARED BACK, "I'M RUNNING THIS

CONTROLS, THE EXHILARATED MAYOR
ROARED BACK, "I'M RUNNING THIS
TRAIN NOW," AND PUSHED ON TO

ROARED BACK, "I'M RUNNING THIS
TRAIN NOW," AND PUSHED ON TO
103rd STREET, SEVEN MILES TO THE

TRAIN NOW," AND PUSHED ON TO
103rd STREET, SEVEN MILES TO THE
NORTH.

103rd STREET, SEVEN MILES TO THE
NORTH.
FINALLY, AT 7:00 THAT EVENING,

NORTH.
FINALLY, AT 7:00 THAT EVENING,
AFTER AN ENDLESS SERIES OF

FINALLY, AT 7:00 THAT EVENING,
AFTER AN ENDLESS SERIES OF
CEREMONIAL RIDES AND AN HOUR-

AFTER AN ENDLESS SERIES OF
CEREMONIAL RIDES AND AN HOUR-
LONG SAFETY INSPECTION, THE

CEREMONIAL RIDES AND AN HOUR-
LONG SAFETY INSPECTION, THE
CHIEF ENGINEER GAVE THE SIGNAL,

LONG SAFETY INSPECTION, THE
CHIEF ENGINEER GAVE THE SIGNAL,
AND THE SUBWAY WAS OPENED TO THE

CHIEF ENGINEER GAVE THE SIGNAL,
AND THE SUBWAY WAS OPENED TO THE
PUBLIC.

AND THE SUBWAY WAS OPENED TO THE
PUBLIC.
Reader: "FOR THE FIRST TIME

PUBLIC.
Reader: "FOR THE FIRST TIME
IN HIS LIFE, FATHER

Reader: "FOR THE FIRST TIME
IN HIS LIFE, FATHER
KNICKERBOCKER WENT UNDERGROUND

IN HIS LIFE, FATHER
KNICKERBOCKER WENT UNDERGROUND
YESTERDAY, TO THE NUMBER OF

KNICKERBOCKER WENT UNDERGROUND
YESTERDAY, TO THE NUMBER OF
150,000, AMID THE TOOTING AND

YESTERDAY, TO THE NUMBER OF
150,000, AMID THE TOOTING AND
WHISTLES AND THE FIRING OF

150,000, AMID THE TOOTING AND
WHISTLES AND THE FIRING OF
SALUTES.

WHISTLES AND THE FIRING OF
SALUTES.
THE OFFICIAL TRAIN MADE ITS RUN

SALUTES.
THE OFFICIAL TRAIN MADE ITS RUN
EXACTLY ON TIME, ARRIVING AT

THE OFFICIAL TRAIN MADE ITS RUN
EXACTLY ON TIME, ARRIVING AT
146th STREET IN EXACTLY 26

EXACTLY ON TIME, ARRIVING AT
146th STREET IN EXACTLY 26
MINUTES, AND ALL ALONG THE WAY,

146th STREET IN EXACTLY 26
MINUTES, AND ALL ALONG THE WAY,
CROWDS OF EXCITED NEW YORKERS

MINUTES, AND ALL ALONG THE WAY,
CROWDS OF EXCITED NEW YORKERS
WERE COLLECTED AROUND THE LITTLE

CROWDS OF EXCITED NEW YORKERS
WERE COLLECTED AROUND THE LITTLE
ENTRANCES, TALKING ABOUT THE

WERE COLLECTED AROUND THE LITTLE
ENTRANCES, TALKING ABOUT THE
TRAINS THAT THEY KNEW WERE

ENTRANCES, TALKING ABOUT THE
TRAINS THAT THEY KNEW WERE
DASHING BELOW."

TRAINS THAT THEY KNEW WERE
DASHING BELOW."
THE NEW YORK HERALD.

DASHING BELOW."
THE NEW YORK HERALD.
Narrator: THE FARE WAS A

THE NEW YORK HERALD.
Narrator: THE FARE WAS A
NICKEL.

Narrator: THE FARE WAS A
NICKEL.
Jackson: WHAT A NICKEL DOES

NICKEL.
Jackson: WHAT A NICKEL DOES
IS SUBSIDIZE OUTER DEVELOPMENT.

Jackson: WHAT A NICKEL DOES
IS SUBSIDIZE OUTER DEVELOPMENT.
UNLIKE THE SITUATION IN EUROPE,

IS SUBSIDIZE OUTER DEVELOPMENT.
UNLIKE THE SITUATION IN EUROPE,
WHERE THE AMOUNT YOU PAY IS A

UNLIKE THE SITUATION IN EUROPE,
WHERE THE AMOUNT YOU PAY IS A
FUNCTION OF THE DISTANCE YOU ARE

WHERE THE AMOUNT YOU PAY IS A
FUNCTION OF THE DISTANCE YOU ARE
TRAVELING, IN NEW YORK, AS

FUNCTION OF THE DISTANCE YOU ARE
TRAVELING, IN NEW YORK, AS
ELSEWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES,

TRAVELING, IN NEW YORK, AS
ELSEWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES,
WE HAD A SINGLE FARE.

ELSEWHERE IN THE UNITED STATES,
WE HAD A SINGLE FARE.
THAT HAS ENORMOUS IMPLICATIONS.

WE HAD A SINGLE FARE.
THAT HAS ENORMOUS IMPLICATIONS.
THAT MEANS THAT IF YOU WANT A

THAT HAS ENORMOUS IMPLICATIONS.
THAT MEANS THAT IF YOU WANT A
HOUSE FOR YOUR FAMILY, IT DOES

THAT MEANS THAT IF YOU WANT A
HOUSE FOR YOUR FAMILY, IT DOES
NOT COST YOU ANY MORE TO MOVE

HOUSE FOR YOUR FAMILY, IT DOES
NOT COST YOU ANY MORE TO MOVE
OUT.

NOT COST YOU ANY MORE TO MOVE
OUT.
THAT EXPLODES THE SIZE OF THE

OUT.
THAT EXPLODES THE SIZE OF THE
CITY.

THAT EXPLODES THE SIZE OF THE
CITY.
EVEN NOW, YOU HAVE THE LONGEST

CITY.
EVEN NOW, YOU HAVE THE LONGEST
SUBWAY RIDE IN THE WORLD.

EVEN NOW, YOU HAVE THE LONGEST
SUBWAY RIDE IN THE WORLD.
I THINK THE "A" TRAIN IS MORE

SUBWAY RIDE IN THE WORLD.
I THINK THE "A" TRAIN IS MORE
THAN 30 MILES FROM ONE END TO

I THINK THE "A" TRAIN IS MORE
THAN 30 MILES FROM ONE END TO
THE OTHER.

THAN 30 MILES FROM ONE END TO
THE OTHER.
IT WILL COST YOU... WELL, NOW

THE OTHER.
IT WILL COST YOU... WELL, NOW
IT'S A LITTLE MORE... BUT IT WAS

IT WILL COST YOU... WELL, NOW
IT'S A LITTLE MORE... BUT IT WAS
A NICKEL RIDE FOR HALF A

IT'S A LITTLE MORE... BUT IT WAS
A NICKEL RIDE FOR HALF A
CENTURY, AN INCREDIBLE

A NICKEL RIDE FOR HALF A
CENTURY, AN INCREDIBLE
STATISTIC.

CENTURY, AN INCREDIBLE
STATISTIC.
Narrator: TRAVELING FROM ONE

STATISTIC.
Narrator: TRAVELING FROM ONE
END OF THE SPRAWLING METROPOLIS

Narrator: TRAVELING FROM ONE
END OF THE SPRAWLING METROPOLIS
TO THE OTHER, PEOPLE SOON FORGOT

END OF THE SPRAWLING METROPOLIS
TO THE OTHER, PEOPLE SOON FORGOT
WHAT LIFE HAD BEEN LIKE WITHOUT

TO THE OTHER, PEOPLE SOON FORGOT
WHAT LIFE HAD BEEN LIKE WITHOUT
IT.

WHAT LIFE HAD BEEN LIKE WITHOUT
IT.
WITHIN A DECADE, NEW YORK'S

IT.
WITHIN A DECADE, NEW YORK'S
SUBWAY SYSTEM WAS CARRYING

WITHIN A DECADE, NEW YORK'S
SUBWAY SYSTEM WAS CARRYING
NEARLY A BILLION PASSENGERS A

SUBWAY SYSTEM WAS CARRYING
NEARLY A BILLION PASSENGERS A
YEAR, OPENING THE VAST REACHES

NEARLY A BILLION PASSENGERS A
YEAR, OPENING THE VAST REACHES
OF THE ENTIRE CONSOLIDATED CITY

YEAR, OPENING THE VAST REACHES
OF THE ENTIRE CONSOLIDATED CITY
TO ALL NEW YORKERS.

OF THE ENTIRE CONSOLIDATED CITY
TO ALL NEW YORKERS.
Wallace: WITHIN A PERIOD OF

TO ALL NEW YORKERS.
Wallace: WITHIN A PERIOD OF
15, 20 YEARS, THE BRONX WAS THE

Wallace: WITHIN A PERIOD OF
15, 20 YEARS, THE BRONX WAS THE
SIXTH LARGEST CITY IN THE UNITED

15, 20 YEARS, THE BRONX WAS THE
SIXTH LARGEST CITY IN THE UNITED
STATES IF YOU COUNTED IT IN ITS

SIXTH LARGEST CITY IN THE UNITED
STATES IF YOU COUNTED IT IN ITS
OWN RIGHT.

STATES IF YOU COUNTED IT IN ITS
OWN RIGHT.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW IS THAT THERE

OWN RIGHT.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW IS THAT THERE
IS A VAST EXODUS OUT OF

WHAT HAPPENS NOW IS THAT THERE
IS A VAST EXODUS OUT OF
MANHATTAN AND INTO THESE OUTER

IS A VAST EXODUS OUT OF
MANHATTAN AND INTO THESE OUTER
BOROUGHS.

MANHATTAN AND INTO THESE OUTER
BOROUGHS.
THEY POUR ACROSS THE NEW BRIDGES

BOROUGHS.
THEY POUR ACROSS THE NEW BRIDGES
INTO BROOKLYN AND QUEENS, AND

THEY POUR ACROSS THE NEW BRIDGES
INTO BROOKLYN AND QUEENS, AND
THEY TAKE THE NEW SUBWAYS UP TO

INTO BROOKLYN AND QUEENS, AND
THEY TAKE THE NEW SUBWAYS UP TO
THE BRONX.

THEY TAKE THE NEW SUBWAYS UP TO
THE BRONX.
Freeman: THE SUBWAY SYSTEM

THE BRONX.
Freeman: THE SUBWAY SYSTEM
DOES A COUPLE OF THINGS.

Freeman: THE SUBWAY SYSTEM
DOES A COUPLE OF THINGS.
IT GIVES ACCESS TO ALL THE

DOES A COUPLE OF THINGS.
IT GIVES ACCESS TO ALL THE
WONDERS OF THE METROPOLIS, IF

IT GIVES ACCESS TO ALL THE
WONDERS OF THE METROPOLIS, IF
YOU WANT TO USE THAT KIND OF A

WONDERS OF THE METROPOLIS, IF
YOU WANT TO USE THAT KIND OF A
PHRASE, TO THE WORKING

YOU WANT TO USE THAT KIND OF A
PHRASE, TO THE WORKING
POPULATION IN THE CITY AS WELL

PHRASE, TO THE WORKING
POPULATION IN THE CITY AS WELL
AS ITS UPPER AND MIDDLE CLASSES,

POPULATION IN THE CITY AS WELL
AS ITS UPPER AND MIDDLE CLASSES,
SO EVERYTHING FROM THE WOODS OF

AS ITS UPPER AND MIDDLE CLASSES,
SO EVERYTHING FROM THE WOODS OF
VAN CORTLANDT PARK TO THE OCEAN

SO EVERYTHING FROM THE WOODS OF
VAN CORTLANDT PARK TO THE OCEAN
BEACHES OF CONEY ISLAND TO THE

VAN CORTLANDT PARK TO THE OCEAN
BEACHES OF CONEY ISLAND TO THE
LIGHTS OF TIMES SQUARE TO THE

BEACHES OF CONEY ISLAND TO THE
LIGHTS OF TIMES SQUARE TO THE
CITY COLLEGES TO THE CHEAP

LIGHTS OF TIMES SQUARE TO THE
CITY COLLEGES TO THE CHEAP
CONCERTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR

CITY COLLEGES TO THE CHEAP
CONCERTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR
ONLY A DIME, ROUND TRIP, TO THE

CONCERTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR
ONLY A DIME, ROUND TRIP, TO THE
POPULATION OF NEW YORK.

ONLY A DIME, ROUND TRIP, TO THE
POPULATION OF NEW YORK.
Narrator: EVEN AS THE NEW

POPULATION OF NEW YORK.
Narrator: EVEN AS THE NEW
UNDERGROUND TETHER OF STEEL DREW

Narrator: EVEN AS THE NEW
UNDERGROUND TETHER OF STEEL DREW
THE FAR-FLUNG REACHES OF THE

UNDERGROUND TETHER OF STEEL DREW
THE FAR-FLUNG REACHES OF THE
CITY TOGETHER, A FRENZY OF

THE FAR-FLUNG REACHES OF THE
CITY TOGETHER, A FRENZY OF
CONSTRUCTION WENT ON

CITY TOGETHER, A FRENZY OF
CONSTRUCTION WENT ON
ABOVEGROUND, LINKING THE

CONSTRUCTION WENT ON
ABOVEGROUND, LINKING THE
BOROUGHS EVEN MORE TIGHTLY.

ABOVEGROUND, LINKING THE
BOROUGHS EVEN MORE TIGHTLY.
BY 1909, IN JUST SIX YEARS,

BOROUGHS EVEN MORE TIGHTLY.
BY 1909, IN JUST SIX YEARS,
THREE MORE BRIDGES HAD BEEN

BY 1909, IN JUST SIX YEARS,
THREE MORE BRIDGES HAD BEEN
THROWN ACROSS THE EAST RIVER.

THREE MORE BRIDGES HAD BEEN
THROWN ACROSS THE EAST RIVER.
BY THEN, ELECTRIFIED RAILROADS

THROWN ACROSS THE EAST RIVER.
BY THEN, ELECTRIFIED RAILROADS
HAD MADE POSSIBLE WHAT STEAM

BY THEN, ELECTRIFIED RAILROADS
HAD MADE POSSIBLE WHAT STEAM
ENGINES COULD NEVER DO,

HAD MADE POSSIBLE WHAT STEAM
ENGINES COULD NEVER DO,
CONNECTING THE ISLAND FOR THE

ENGINES COULD NEVER DO,
CONNECTING THE ISLAND FOR THE
FIRST TIME SINCE THE ICE AGE TO

CONNECTING THE ISLAND FOR THE
FIRST TIME SINCE THE ICE AGE TO
THE MAINLAND OF THE NORTH

FIRST TIME SINCE THE ICE AGE TO
THE MAINLAND OF THE NORTH
AMERICAN CONTINENT.

THE MAINLAND OF THE NORTH
AMERICAN CONTINENT.
Wallace: FOR MANY, MANY

AMERICAN CONTINENT.
Wallace: FOR MANY, MANY
YEARS, MOST OF THE RAILROADS GOT

Wallace: FOR MANY, MANY
YEARS, MOST OF THE RAILROADS GOT
TO THE HUDSON RIVER AND STOPPED

YEARS, MOST OF THE RAILROADS GOT
TO THE HUDSON RIVER AND STOPPED
DEAD... I MEAN, THE IRON HORSES

TO THE HUDSON RIVER AND STOPPED
DEAD... I MEAN, THE IRON HORSES
KIND OF PAWING THE WATER

DEAD... I MEAN, THE IRON HORSES
KIND OF PAWING THE WATER
IMPOTENTLY.

KIND OF PAWING THE WATER
IMPOTENTLY.
BUT NOW YOU GET PENNSYLVANIA

IMPOTENTLY.
BUT NOW YOU GET PENNSYLVANIA
RAILROAD DRIVING TUNNELS

BUT NOW YOU GET PENNSYLVANIA
RAILROAD DRIVING TUNNELS
UNDERNEATH THE HUDSON, DRIVING

RAILROAD DRIVING TUNNELS
UNDERNEATH THE HUDSON, DRIVING
CONNECTING TUNNELS OUT TO LONG

UNDERNEATH THE HUDSON, DRIVING
CONNECTING TUNNELS OUT TO LONG
ISLAND AND ON TO NEW ENGLAND,

CONNECTING TUNNELS OUT TO LONG
ISLAND AND ON TO NEW ENGLAND,
BUILDING PENN STATION RIGHT IN

ISLAND AND ON TO NEW ENGLAND,
BUILDING PENN STATION RIGHT IN
THE MIDDLE OF THOSE THINGS.

BUILDING PENN STATION RIGHT IN
THE MIDDLE OF THOSE THINGS.
AND THE CITY IS NOT ONLY

THE MIDDLE OF THOSE THINGS.
AND THE CITY IS NOT ONLY
CONSOLIDATED, BUT, YOU KNOW,

AND THE CITY IS NOT ONLY
CONSOLIDATED, BUT, YOU KNOW,
CONNECTED.

CONSOLIDATED, BUT, YOU KNOW,
CONNECTED.
Narrator: TO CROWN THE

CONNECTED.
Narrator: TO CROWN THE
ARRIVAL OF THE TWO GREAT

Narrator: TO CROWN THE
ARRIVAL OF THE TWO GREAT
RAILWAYS IN NEW YORK, TWIN

ARRIVAL OF THE TWO GREAT
RAILWAYS IN NEW YORK, TWIN
STATIONS, THE GREATEST EVER

RAILWAYS IN NEW YORK, TWIN
STATIONS, THE GREATEST EVER
BUILT IN THE WORLD, NOW AROSE

STATIONS, THE GREATEST EVER
BUILT IN THE WORLD, NOW AROSE
JUST 12 BLOCKS APART FROM EACH

BUILT IN THE WORLD, NOW AROSE
JUST 12 BLOCKS APART FROM EACH
OTHER IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN.

JUST 12 BLOCKS APART FROM EACH
OTHER IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN.
Moynihan: AT THE BEGINNING OF

OTHER IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN.
Moynihan: AT THE BEGINNING OF
THIS CENTURY, NEW YORK'S

Moynihan: AT THE BEGINNING OF
THIS CENTURY, NEW YORK'S
IMPERIAL AGE, WE BUILT TWO

THIS CENTURY, NEW YORK'S
IMPERIAL AGE, WE BUILT TWO
IMPERIAL RAILROAD TERMINALS,

IMPERIAL AGE, WE BUILT TWO
IMPERIAL RAILROAD TERMINALS,
GRAND CENTRAL FOR THE NEW YORK

IMPERIAL RAILROAD TERMINALS,
GRAND CENTRAL FOR THE NEW YORK
CENTRAL RAILROAD AND

GRAND CENTRAL FOR THE NEW YORK
CENTRAL RAILROAD AND
PENNSYLVANIA STATION FOR THE

CENTRAL RAILROAD AND
PENNSYLVANIA STATION FOR THE
PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD, WHICH HAD

PENNSYLVANIA STATION FOR THE
PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD, WHICH HAD
BUILT A TUNNEL UNDER THE HUDSON,

PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD, WHICH HAD
BUILT A TUNNEL UNDER THE HUDSON,
CAME UP AT 34th STREET.

BUILT A TUNNEL UNDER THE HUDSON,
CAME UP AT 34th STREET.
A GREAT ARCHITECTURAL FIRM,

CAME UP AT 34th STREET.
A GREAT ARCHITECTURAL FIRM,
McKIM, MEAD AND WHITE, DESIGNED

A GREAT ARCHITECTURAL FIRM,
McKIM, MEAD AND WHITE, DESIGNED
THIS.

McKIM, MEAD AND WHITE, DESIGNED
THIS.
THEY USED AS THEIR MODEL THE

THIS.
THEY USED AS THEIR MODEL THE
BATHS OF CARACALLA IN ROME,

THEY USED AS THEIR MODEL THE
BATHS OF CARACALLA IN ROME,
THESE INCREDIBLE DOMED AFFAIRS,

BATHS OF CARACALLA IN ROME,
THESE INCREDIBLE DOMED AFFAIRS,
AND IT WAS A JOY.

THESE INCREDIBLE DOMED AFFAIRS,
AND IT WAS A JOY.
Narrator: PENNSYLVANIA

AND IT WAS A JOY.
Narrator: PENNSYLVANIA
STATION WAS THE FIRST TO OPEN IN

Narrator: PENNSYLVANIA
STATION WAS THE FIRST TO OPEN IN
1910, AT SEVENTH AVENUE AND 33rd

STATION WAS THE FIRST TO OPEN IN
1910, AT SEVENTH AVENUE AND 33rd
STREET.

1910, AT SEVENTH AVENUE AND 33rd
STREET.
IT WAS, THE NEW YORK TIMES

STREET.
IT WAS, THE NEW YORK TIMES
DECLARED, "THE LARGEST AND

IT WAS, THE NEW YORK TIMES
DECLARED, "THE LARGEST AND
HANDSOMEST TRAIN STATION IN THE

DECLARED, "THE LARGEST AND
HANDSOMEST TRAIN STATION IN THE
WORLD," BUILT TO LAST FOR ALL

HANDSOMEST TRAIN STATION IN THE
WORLD," BUILT TO LAST FOR ALL
TIME, AND PROOF, ONE AWESTRUCK

WORLD," BUILT TO LAST FOR ALL
TIME, AND PROOF, ONE AWESTRUCK
OBSERVER SAID, THAT NEW YORK HAD

TIME, AND PROOF, ONE AWESTRUCK
OBSERVER SAID, THAT NEW YORK HAD
COME OF AGE.

OBSERVER SAID, THAT NEW YORK HAD
COME OF AGE.
JUST THREE YEARS LATER, GRAND

COME OF AGE.
JUST THREE YEARS LATER, GRAND
CENTRAL TERMINAL OPENED ITS

JUST THREE YEARS LATER, GRAND
CENTRAL TERMINAL OPENED ITS
DOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME, AT THE

CENTRAL TERMINAL OPENED ITS
DOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME, AT THE
CORNER OF 42nd STREET AND PARK

DOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME, AT THE
CORNER OF 42nd STREET AND PARK
AVENUE.

CORNER OF 42nd STREET AND PARK
AVENUE.
HIGH ATOP THE STRUCTURE'S

AVENUE.
HIGH ATOP THE STRUCTURE'S
MONUMENTAL SOUTH FACADE SOARED A

HIGH ATOP THE STRUCTURE'S
MONUMENTAL SOUTH FACADE SOARED A
40-FOOT-TALL STATUE OF MERCURY,

MONUMENTAL SOUTH FACADE SOARED A
40-FOOT-TALL STATUE OF MERCURY,
THE WINGED GOD OF SPEED.

40-FOOT-TALL STATUE OF MERCURY,
THE WINGED GOD OF SPEED.
INSIDE, THE MASSIVE BARREL-

THE WINGED GOD OF SPEED.
INSIDE, THE MASSIVE BARREL-
VAULTED CEILING, SPANGLED WITH

INSIDE, THE MASSIVE BARREL-
VAULTED CEILING, SPANGLED WITH
DOZENS OF ELECTRIC STARS SHOWING

VAULTED CEILING, SPANGLED WITH
DOZENS OF ELECTRIC STARS SHOWING
ALL THE CONSTELLATIONS OF THE

DOZENS OF ELECTRIC STARS SHOWING
ALL THE CONSTELLATIONS OF THE
NIGHT SKY, SEEMED TO GO ON

ALL THE CONSTELLATIONS OF THE
NIGHT SKY, SEEMED TO GO ON
FOREVER.

NIGHT SKY, SEEMED TO GO ON
FOREVER.
Gill: THE GRANDEUR, THE FOLLY

FOREVER.
Gill: THE GRANDEUR, THE FOLLY
OF THE ARCHITECTURE, THE

Gill: THE GRANDEUR, THE FOLLY
OF THE ARCHITECTURE, THE
ENORMOUS WASTE OF SPACE...

OF THE ARCHITECTURE, THE
ENORMOUS WASTE OF SPACE...
THERE'S THIS SHEER GORGEOUS

ENORMOUS WASTE OF SPACE...
THERE'S THIS SHEER GORGEOUS
VOLUME OF SPACE THAT YOU'RE IN

THERE'S THIS SHEER GORGEOUS
VOLUME OF SPACE THAT YOU'RE IN
THERE NOW, WHICH, OF COURSE, "I

VOLUME OF SPACE THAT YOU'RE IN
THERE NOW, WHICH, OF COURSE, "I
LIFT UP MINE EYES UNTO THE

THERE NOW, WHICH, OF COURSE, "I
LIFT UP MINE EYES UNTO THE
HILLS," HE SAYS.

LIFT UP MINE EYES UNTO THE
HILLS," HE SAYS.
"I LIFT UP MINE EYES TO THAT TO

HILLS," HE SAYS.
"I LIFT UP MINE EYES TO THAT TO
THAT SKY INSIDE."

"I LIFT UP MINE EYES TO THAT TO
THAT SKY INSIDE."
AND OF COURSE THE CONTINUOUS

THAT SKY INSIDE."
AND OF COURSE THE CONTINUOUS
EXPRESSION OF VITALITY IN HAVING

AND OF COURSE THE CONTINUOUS
EXPRESSION OF VITALITY IN HAVING
60,000 OR 80,000 PEOPLE POURING

EXPRESSION OF VITALITY IN HAVING
60,000 OR 80,000 PEOPLE POURING
THROUGH BACK AND FORTH ALL DAY

60,000 OR 80,000 PEOPLE POURING
THROUGH BACK AND FORTH ALL DAY
LONG THROUGH THE THING... IT'S

THROUGH BACK AND FORTH ALL DAY
LONG THROUGH THE THING... IT'S
LIKE A SEA BACK AND FORTH, BACK

LONG THROUGH THE THING... IT'S
LIKE A SEA BACK AND FORTH, BACK
AND FORTH ALL DAY LONG, AND IN

LIKE A SEA BACK AND FORTH, BACK
AND FORTH ALL DAY LONG, AND IN
THE OLD DAYS ALL NIGHT LONG.

AND FORTH ALL DAY LONG, AND IN
THE OLD DAYS ALL NIGHT LONG.
Stern: HERE IS THIS GREAT

THE OLD DAYS ALL NIGHT LONG.
Stern: HERE IS THIS GREAT
PUBLIC ROOM.

Stern: HERE IS THIS GREAT
PUBLIC ROOM.
ALL YOU DO IS CATCH A TRAIN IN

PUBLIC ROOM.
ALL YOU DO IS CATCH A TRAIN IN
BOTH OF THEM, AND THEY WERE

ALL YOU DO IS CATCH A TRAIN IN
BOTH OF THEM, AND THEY WERE
SPLENDID.

BOTH OF THEM, AND THEY WERE
SPLENDID.
AND THESE ROOMS, IN PARTICULAR

SPLENDID.
AND THESE ROOMS, IN PARTICULAR
AT PENNSYLVANIA STATION, IT WAS

AND THESE ROOMS, IN PARTICULAR
AT PENNSYLVANIA STATION, IT WAS
IN THE CLASSICAL LANGUAGE.

AT PENNSYLVANIA STATION, IT WAS
IN THE CLASSICAL LANGUAGE.
IT WENT BACK DIRECTLY TO ANCIENT

IN THE CLASSICAL LANGUAGE.
IT WENT BACK DIRECTLY TO ANCIENT
ROME.

IT WENT BACK DIRECTLY TO ANCIENT
ROME.
IT WAS A LANGUAGE OF

ROME.
IT WAS A LANGUAGE OF
ARCHITECTURE THAT ALMOST

IT WAS A LANGUAGE OF
ARCHITECTURE THAT ALMOST
EVERYONE, AT LEAST FROM EUROPE

ARCHITECTURE THAT ALMOST
EVERYONE, AT LEAST FROM EUROPE
WHO WAS AN IMMIGRANT TO AMERICA,

EVERYONE, AT LEAST FROM EUROPE
WHO WAS AN IMMIGRANT TO AMERICA,
COULD UNDERSTAND, SO IN THAT

WHO WAS AN IMMIGRANT TO AMERICA,
COULD UNDERSTAND, SO IN THAT
SENSE IT WAS TRULY DEMOCRATIC.

COULD UNDERSTAND, SO IN THAT
SENSE IT WAS TRULY DEMOCRATIC.
YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO ASK WHERE THE

SENSE IT WAS TRULY DEMOCRATIC.
YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO ASK WHERE THE
RAILROAD STATION WAS.

YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO ASK WHERE THE
RAILROAD STATION WAS.
IF YOU GOT ANYWHERE NEAR IT, YOU

RAILROAD STATION WAS.
IF YOU GOT ANYWHERE NEAR IT, YOU
COULD JUST LOOK, AND THAT HAD TO

IF YOU GOT ANYWHERE NEAR IT, YOU
COULD JUST LOOK, AND THAT HAD TO
BE THE RAILROAD STATION.

COULD JUST LOOK, AND THAT HAD TO
BE THE RAILROAD STATION.
NOTHING MORE GRAND COULD BE.

BE THE RAILROAD STATION.
NOTHING MORE GRAND COULD BE.
Reader: "THE STATION WAS

NOTHING MORE GRAND COULD BE.
Reader: "THE STATION WAS
MURMUROUS WITH THE IMMENSE AND

Reader: "THE STATION WAS
MURMUROUS WITH THE IMMENSE AND
DISTANT SOUND OF TIME.

MURMUROUS WITH THE IMMENSE AND
DISTANT SOUND OF TIME.
GREAT, SLANTED BEAMS OF MOTED

DISTANT SOUND OF TIME.
GREAT, SLANTED BEAMS OF MOTED
LIGHT FELL PONDEROUSLY ATHWART

GREAT, SLANTED BEAMS OF MOTED
LIGHT FELL PONDEROUSLY ATHWART
THE STATION'S FLOOR, AND THE

LIGHT FELL PONDEROUSLY ATHWART
THE STATION'S FLOOR, AND THE
CALM VOICE OF TIME HOVERED ALONG

THE STATION'S FLOOR, AND THE
CALM VOICE OF TIME HOVERED ALONG
THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THAT

CALM VOICE OF TIME HOVERED ALONG
THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THAT
MIGHTY ROOM, DISTILLED OUT OF

THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THAT
MIGHTY ROOM, DISTILLED OUT OF
THE VOICES AND MOVEMENTS OF THE

MIGHTY ROOM, DISTILLED OUT OF
THE VOICES AND MOVEMENTS OF THE
PEOPLE WHO SWARMED BENEATH.

THE VOICES AND MOVEMENTS OF THE
PEOPLE WHO SWARMED BENEATH.
HERE, AS NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH,

PEOPLE WHO SWARMED BENEATH.
HERE, AS NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH,
MEN WERE BROUGHT TOGETHER FOR A

HERE, AS NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH,
MEN WERE BROUGHT TOGETHER FOR A
MOMENT AT THE BEGINNING OR END

MEN WERE BROUGHT TOGETHER FOR A
MOMENT AT THE BEGINNING OR END
OF THEIR INNUMERABLE JOURNEYS.

MOMENT AT THE BEGINNING OR END
OF THEIR INNUMERABLE JOURNEYS.
HERE ONE SAW THEIR GREETINGS AND

OF THEIR INNUMERABLE JOURNEYS.
HERE ONE SAW THEIR GREETINGS AND
FAREWELLS.

HERE ONE SAW THEIR GREETINGS AND
FAREWELLS.
HERE, IN A SINGLE INSTANT, ONE

FAREWELLS.
HERE, IN A SINGLE INSTANT, ONE
GOT THE ENTIRE PICTURE OF HUMAN

HERE, IN A SINGLE INSTANT, ONE
GOT THE ENTIRE PICTURE OF HUMAN
DESTINY.

GOT THE ENTIRE PICTURE OF HUMAN
DESTINY.
MEN CAME AND WENT.

DESTINY.
MEN CAME AND WENT.
THEY PASSED AND VANISHED.

MEN CAME AND WENT.
THEY PASSED AND VANISHED.
ALL WERE MOVING THROUGH THE

THEY PASSED AND VANISHED.
ALL WERE MOVING THROUGH THE
MOMENTS OF THEIR LIVES, BUT THE

ALL WERE MOVING THROUGH THE
MOMENTS OF THEIR LIVES, BUT THE
VOICE OF TIME REMAINED ALOOF AND

MOMENTS OF THEIR LIVES, BUT THE
VOICE OF TIME REMAINED ALOOF AND
UNPERTURBED, A DROWSY AND

VOICE OF TIME REMAINED ALOOF AND
UNPERTURBED, A DROWSY AND
ETERNAL MURMUR BELOW THE IMMENSE

UNPERTURBED, A DROWSY AND
ETERNAL MURMUR BELOW THE IMMENSE
AND DISTANT ROOF."

ETERNAL MURMUR BELOW THE IMMENSE
AND DISTANT ROOF."
THOMAS WOLFE.

AND DISTANT ROOF."
THOMAS WOLFE.
Narrator: BY 1909, THE

THOMAS WOLFE.
Narrator: BY 1909, THE
CONCENTRATION OF HUMAN AND

Narrator: BY 1909, THE
CONCENTRATION OF HUMAN AND
ECONOMIC FORCES IN NEW YORK WAS

CONCENTRATION OF HUMAN AND
ECONOMIC FORCES IN NEW YORK WAS
REACHING AN ASTONISHING PEAK.

ECONOMIC FORCES IN NEW YORK WAS
REACHING AN ASTONISHING PEAK.
TWO YEARS BEFORE, ELLIS ISLAND

REACHING AN ASTONISHING PEAK.
TWO YEARS BEFORE, ELLIS ISLAND
HAD EXPERIENCED THE BUSIEST

TWO YEARS BEFORE, ELLIS ISLAND
HAD EXPERIENCED THE BUSIEST
SINGLE DAY IN ITS HISTORY, WHEN

HAD EXPERIENCED THE BUSIEST
SINGLE DAY IN ITS HISTORY, WHEN
IN LESS THAN 12 HOURS 11,747

SINGLE DAY IN ITS HISTORY, WHEN
IN LESS THAN 12 HOURS 11,747
IMMIGRANTS WERE ADMITTED TO THE

IN LESS THAN 12 HOURS 11,747
IMMIGRANTS WERE ADMITTED TO THE
COUNTRY.

IMMIGRANTS WERE ADMITTED TO THE
COUNTRY.
FULLY 40% OF THE CITY'S

COUNTRY.
FULLY 40% OF THE CITY'S
POPULATION WAS NOW FOREIGN-BORN.

FULLY 40% OF THE CITY'S
POPULATION WAS NOW FOREIGN-BORN.
IMMENSE NEW OCEAN LINERS, EIGHT

POPULATION WAS NOW FOREIGN-BORN.
IMMENSE NEW OCEAN LINERS, EIGHT
STORIES TALL AND 800 FEET LONG,

IMMENSE NEW OCEAN LINERS, EIGHT
STORIES TALL AND 800 FEET LONG,
CAPABLE OF TRANSPORTING 3,000

STORIES TALL AND 800 FEET LONG,
CAPABLE OF TRANSPORTING 3,000
PEOPLE AT A TIME, MOST IN

CAPABLE OF TRANSPORTING 3,000
PEOPLE AT A TIME, MOST IN
STEERAGE, NOW BERTHED WHERE

PEOPLE AT A TIME, MOST IN
STEERAGE, NOW BERTHED WHERE
HENRY HUDSON'S SHIP, THE HALF

STEERAGE, NOW BERTHED WHERE
HENRY HUDSON'S SHIP, THE HALF
MOON, HAD ONCE RIDDEN AT

HENRY HUDSON'S SHIP, THE HALF
MOON, HAD ONCE RIDDEN AT
ANCHOR.

MOON, HAD ONCE RIDDEN AT
ANCHOR.
IN SEPTEMBER 1909, EXACTLY 300

ANCHOR.
IN SEPTEMBER 1909, EXACTLY 300
YEARS AFTER HUDSON FIRST SAILED

IN SEPTEMBER 1909, EXACTLY 300
YEARS AFTER HUDSON FIRST SAILED
INTO THE HARBOR AND A CENTURY

YEARS AFTER HUDSON FIRST SAILED
INTO THE HARBOR AND A CENTURY
AFTER ROBERT FULTON LAUNCHED HIS

INTO THE HARBOR AND A CENTURY
AFTER ROBERT FULTON LAUNCHED HIS
STEAMBOAT OFF THE WEST SIDE OF

AFTER ROBERT FULTON LAUNCHED HIS
STEAMBOAT OFF THE WEST SIDE OF
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK HELD THE

STEAMBOAT OFF THE WEST SIDE OF
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK HELD THE
GREATEST BIRTHDAY PARTY IN ITS

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK HELD THE
GREATEST BIRTHDAY PARTY IN ITS
HISTORY.

GREATEST BIRTHDAY PARTY IN ITS
HISTORY.
CALLED THE HUDSON-FULTON

HISTORY.
CALLED THE HUDSON-FULTON
CELEBRATION, IT WAS A TRIUMPHANT

CALLED THE HUDSON-FULTON
CELEBRATION, IT WAS A TRIUMPHANT
AFFIRMATION OF THE MIGHTY

CELEBRATION, IT WAS A TRIUMPHANT
AFFIRMATION OF THE MIGHTY
METROPOLIS THAT HAD RISEN SO

AFFIRMATION OF THE MIGHTY
METROPOLIS THAT HAD RISEN SO
SPECTACULARLY FROM THE SEA.

METROPOLIS THAT HAD RISEN SO
SPECTACULARLY FROM THE SEA.
FOR TEN DAYS, HUNDREDS OF

SPECTACULARLY FROM THE SEA.
FOR TEN DAYS, HUNDREDS OF
THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS LINED

FOR TEN DAYS, HUNDREDS OF
THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS LINED
THE WATERFRONT TO WATCH AN

THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS LINED
THE WATERFRONT TO WATCH AN
IMMENSE PROCESSION OF SHIPS

THE WATERFRONT TO WATCH AN
IMMENSE PROCESSION OF SHIPS
STREAMING IN AND OUT OF THE

IMMENSE PROCESSION OF SHIPS
STREAMING IN AND OUT OF THE
HARBOR, AND TO CATCH THEIR FIRST

STREAMING IN AND OUT OF THE
HARBOR, AND TO CATCH THEIR FIRST
GLIMPSE OF AN AIRPLANE, PILOTED

HARBOR, AND TO CATCH THEIR FIRST
GLIMPSE OF AN AIRPLANE, PILOTED
BY WILBUR WRIGHT HIMSELF,

GLIMPSE OF AN AIRPLANE, PILOTED
BY WILBUR WRIGHT HIMSELF,
CIRCLING WITHIN 25 FEET OF THE

BY WILBUR WRIGHT HIMSELF,
CIRCLING WITHIN 25 FEET OF THE
STATUE OF LIBERTY.

CIRCLING WITHIN 25 FEET OF THE
STATUE OF LIBERTY.
THE CLIMAX CAME ON A BRILLIANTLY

STATUE OF LIBERTY.
THE CLIMAX CAME ON A BRILLIANTLY
CLEAR AUTUMN NIGHT IN EARLY

THE CLIMAX CAME ON A BRILLIANTLY
CLEAR AUTUMN NIGHT IN EARLY
OCTOBER, WHEN A MILLION

CLEAR AUTUMN NIGHT IN EARLY
OCTOBER, WHEN A MILLION
INCANDESCENT LIGHTS PROVIDED BY

OCTOBER, WHEN A MILLION
INCANDESCENT LIGHTS PROVIDED BY
THE EDISON COMPANY TURNED THE

INCANDESCENT LIGHTS PROVIDED BY
THE EDISON COMPANY TURNED THE
BRIDGES, SHIPS, AND TALL TOWERS

THE EDISON COMPANY TURNED THE
BRIDGES, SHIPS, AND TALL TOWERS
OF NEW YORK INTO A GLITTERING

BRIDGES, SHIPS, AND TALL TOWERS
OF NEW YORK INTO A GLITTERING
CITY OF FIRE.

OF NEW YORK INTO A GLITTERING
CITY OF FIRE.
Reader: "THE CITY WAS ONE

CITY OF FIRE.
Reader: "THE CITY WAS ONE
LONG BANNER OF LIGHT THAT

Reader: "THE CITY WAS ONE
LONG BANNER OF LIGHT THAT
SPARKLED AND SCINTILLATED IN THE

LONG BANNER OF LIGHT THAT
SPARKLED AND SCINTILLATED IN THE
CRISP NIGHT AIR, PALING EVEN TO

SPARKLED AND SCINTILLATED IN THE
CRISP NIGHT AIR, PALING EVEN TO
INSIGNIFICANCE A MOON OF HARVEST

CRISP NIGHT AIR, PALING EVEN TO
INSIGNIFICANCE A MOON OF HARVEST
SPLENDOR.

INSIGNIFICANCE A MOON OF HARVEST
SPLENDOR.
THERE WERE ELECTRIC WONDERS FOR

SPLENDOR.
THERE WERE ELECTRIC WONDERS FOR
ALL TO GAPE AT, TALL BUILDINGS

THERE WERE ELECTRIC WONDERS FOR
ALL TO GAPE AT, TALL BUILDINGS
ENOUGH TO SEND THEIR SHAFTS OF

ALL TO GAPE AT, TALL BUILDINGS
ENOUGH TO SEND THEIR SHAFTS OF
MOLTEN SPLENDOR WHERE ALL MIGHT

ENOUGH TO SEND THEIR SHAFTS OF
MOLTEN SPLENDOR WHERE ALL MIGHT
SEE, AND SEARCHLIGHTS ENOUGH TO

MOLTEN SPLENDOR WHERE ALL MIGHT
SEE, AND SEARCHLIGHTS ENOUGH TO
STREAK THE SKY WHEREVER CROWDS

SEE, AND SEARCHLIGHTS ENOUGH TO
STREAK THE SKY WHEREVER CROWDS
WERE GATHERED."

STREAK THE SKY WHEREVER CROWDS
WERE GATHERED."
THE NEW YORK TIMES.

WERE GATHERED."
THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Narrator: NEVER AGAIN WOULD

THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Narrator: NEVER AGAIN WOULD
THE FIRES OF CAPITALISM BURN

Narrator: NEVER AGAIN WOULD
THE FIRES OF CAPITALISM BURN
QUITE SO BRIGHTLY IN NEW YORK

THE FIRES OF CAPITALISM BURN
QUITE SO BRIGHTLY IN NEW YORK
CITY.

QUITE SO BRIGHTLY IN NEW YORK
CITY.
NEVER AGAIN WOULD SO MANY PEOPLE

CITY.
NEVER AGAIN WOULD SO MANY PEOPLE
BE GATHERED TOGETHER ON THE

NEVER AGAIN WOULD SO MANY PEOPLE
BE GATHERED TOGETHER ON THE
ISLAND OF MANHATTAN, WHICH IN

BE GATHERED TOGETHER ON THE
ISLAND OF MANHATTAN, WHICH IN
LESS THAN A YEAR WOULD REACH ITS

ISLAND OF MANHATTAN, WHICH IN
LESS THAN A YEAR WOULD REACH ITS
PEAK POPULATION OF 2.3 MILLION

LESS THAN A YEAR WOULD REACH ITS
PEAK POPULATION OF 2.3 MILLION
PEOPLE.

PEAK POPULATION OF 2.3 MILLION
PEOPLE.
SIX WEEKS AFTER THE HUDSON-

PEOPLE.
SIX WEEKS AFTER THE HUDSON-
FULTON CELEBRATION ENDED, TENS

SIX WEEKS AFTER THE HUDSON-
FULTON CELEBRATION ENDED, TENS
OF THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS

FULTON CELEBRATION ENDED, TENS
OF THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS
WOULD TAKE TO THE STREETS AGAIN,

OF THOUSANDS OF NEW YORKERS
WOULD TAKE TO THE STREETS AGAIN,
NOT IN CELEBRATION THIS TIME,

WOULD TAKE TO THE STREETS AGAIN,
NOT IN CELEBRATION THIS TIME,
BUT TO PROTEST THE APPALLING

NOT IN CELEBRATION THIS TIME,
BUT TO PROTEST THE APPALLING
SUFFERING AND STUNNING

BUT TO PROTEST THE APPALLING
SUFFERING AND STUNNING
INEQUALITIES THAT HAD HAUNTED

SUFFERING AND STUNNING
INEQUALITIES THAT HAD HAUNTED
THE CITY FOR ALMOST A CENTURY.

INEQUALITIES THAT HAD HAUNTED
THE CITY FOR ALMOST A CENTURY.
BY NOVEMBER, PITCHED BATTLES

THE CITY FOR ALMOST A CENTURY.
BY NOVEMBER, PITCHED BATTLES
WERE BEING WAGED IN THE STREETS

BY NOVEMBER, PITCHED BATTLES
WERE BEING WAGED IN THE STREETS
BETWEEN STRIKING FACTORY WORKERS

WERE BEING WAGED IN THE STREETS
BETWEEN STRIKING FACTORY WORKERS
AND THE POLICE, AS NEW YORK'S

BETWEEN STRIKING FACTORY WORKERS
AND THE POLICE, AS NEW YORK'S
POOREST CITIZENS ROSE UP TO

AND THE POLICE, AS NEW YORK'S
POOREST CITIZENS ROSE UP TO
PROTEST THE HEARTBREAKING

POOREST CITIZENS ROSE UP TO
PROTEST THE HEARTBREAKING
EXTREMES OF THE CAPITALIST

PROTEST THE HEARTBREAKING
EXTREMES OF THE CAPITALIST
SYSTEM, AND THE FAILURE OF THE

EXTREMES OF THE CAPITALIST
SYSTEM, AND THE FAILURE OF THE
GOVERNMENT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT

SYSTEM, AND THE FAILURE OF THE
GOVERNMENT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT
THEM.

GOVERNMENT TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT
THEM.
Freeman: I THINK NEW YORK

THEM.
Freeman: I THINK NEW YORK
BECAME AN ARENA IN WHICH A

Freeman: I THINK NEW YORK
BECAME AN ARENA IN WHICH A
FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION FACING

BECAME AN ARENA IN WHICH A
FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION FACING
AMERICA WAS EXPLORED, WHICH IS,

FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION FACING
AMERICA WAS EXPLORED, WHICH IS,
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF DEMOCRACY

AMERICA WAS EXPLORED, WHICH IS,
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF DEMOCRACY
IN A SOCIETY OF MODERN

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF DEMOCRACY
IN A SOCIETY OF MODERN
INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES AND GREAT

IN A SOCIETY OF MODERN
INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES AND GREAT
ECONOMIC INEQUALITY?

INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES AND GREAT
ECONOMIC INEQUALITY?
HOW CAN YOU CONTINUE TO HAVE THE

ECONOMIC INEQUALITY?
HOW CAN YOU CONTINUE TO HAVE THE
FORMAL STRUCTURES OF

HOW CAN YOU CONTINUE TO HAVE THE
FORMAL STRUCTURES OF
PARTICIPATORY CITIZENSHIP IN A

FORMAL STRUCTURES OF
PARTICIPATORY CITIZENSHIP IN A
SOCIETY WHERE SO FEW HAVE SO

PARTICIPATORY CITIZENSHIP IN A
SOCIETY WHERE SO FEW HAVE SO
MUCH AND SO MANY ARE IN NEED?

SOCIETY WHERE SO FEW HAVE SO
MUCH AND SO MANY ARE IN NEED?
AND THAT ISSUE, WHICH IS A

MUCH AND SO MANY ARE IN NEED?
AND THAT ISSUE, WHICH IS A
THREAD THROUGHOUT ALL OF

AND THAT ISSUE, WHICH IS A
THREAD THROUGHOUT ALL OF
AMERICAN HISTORY, COMES TO THE

THREAD THROUGHOUT ALL OF
AMERICAN HISTORY, COMES TO THE
FOREFRONT IN THE EARLY 20th

AMERICAN HISTORY, COMES TO THE
FOREFRONT IN THE EARLY 20th
CENTURY, PARTICULARLY IN THE

FOREFRONT IN THE EARLY 20th
CENTURY, PARTICULARLY IN THE
CITIES, AND PARTICULARLY HERE IN

CENTURY, PARTICULARLY IN THE
CITIES, AND PARTICULARLY HERE IN
NEW YORK.

CITIES, AND PARTICULARLY HERE IN
NEW YORK.
Narrator: IN THE MONTHS AND

NEW YORK.
Narrator: IN THE MONTHS AND
YEARS TO COME, AS STRIKES AND

Narrator: IN THE MONTHS AND
YEARS TO COME, AS STRIKES AND
UNREST SWEPT THE STREETS OF

YEARS TO COME, AS STRIKES AND
UNREST SWEPT THE STREETS OF
MANHATTAN, NEW YORKERS WOULD BE

UNREST SWEPT THE STREETS OF
MANHATTAN, NEW YORKERS WOULD BE
FORCED TO CONFRONT THE GREATEST

MANHATTAN, NEW YORKERS WOULD BE
FORCED TO CONFRONT THE GREATEST
CHALLENGE OF THE INDUSTRIAL AGE.

FORCED TO CONFRONT THE GREATEST
CHALLENGE OF THE INDUSTRIAL AGE.
WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO CLOSE

CHALLENGE OF THE INDUSTRIAL AGE.
WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO CLOSE
THE GAP BETWEEN RICH AND POOR IN

WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO CLOSE
THE GAP BETWEEN RICH AND POOR IN
NEW YORK CITY AND UNITE THE

THE GAP BETWEEN RICH AND POOR IN
NEW YORK CITY AND UNITE THE
DREAMS OF CAPITALISM AND

NEW YORK CITY AND UNITE THE
DREAMS OF CAPITALISM AND
DEMOCRACY?

DREAMS OF CAPITALISM AND
DEMOCRACY?
TO DO SO WOULD CALL FOR AN

DEMOCRACY?
TO DO SO WOULD CALL FOR AN
EFFORT FAR GREATER THAN THAT

TO DO SO WOULD CALL FOR AN
EFFORT FAR GREATER THAN THAT
REQUIRED TO BUILD BRIDGES,

EFFORT FAR GREATER THAN THAT
REQUIRED TO BUILD BRIDGES,
SUBWAYS, TRAIN STATIONS, AND

REQUIRED TO BUILD BRIDGES,
SUBWAYS, TRAIN STATIONS, AND
SKYSCRAPERS, AND REQUIRE NEW

SUBWAYS, TRAIN STATIONS, AND
SKYSCRAPERS, AND REQUIRE NEW
YORKERS AS NEVER BEFORE TO THINK

SKYSCRAPERS, AND REQUIRE NEW
YORKERS AS NEVER BEFORE TO THINK
OF THEIR CITY AS A WHOLE.

YORKERS AS NEVER BEFORE TO THINK
OF THEIR CITY AS A WHOLE.
BEFORE IT WAS OVER, THE MOST

OF THEIR CITY AS A WHOLE.
BEFORE IT WAS OVER, THE MOST
HARROWING TRAGEDY OF THE

BEFORE IT WAS OVER, THE MOST
HARROWING TRAGEDY OF THE
INDUSTRIAL AGE WOULD SEAR THE

HARROWING TRAGEDY OF THE
INDUSTRIAL AGE WOULD SEAR THE
CITY TO ITS VERY SOUL, AND THEN

INDUSTRIAL AGE WOULD SEAR THE
CITY TO ITS VERY SOUL, AND THEN
CHANGE LIFE IN NEW YORK, AND

CITY TO ITS VERY SOUL, AND THEN
CHANGE LIFE IN NEW YORK, AND
AMERICA, FOREVER.

CHANGE LIFE IN NEW YORK, AND
AMERICA, FOREVER.
Czitrom: I THINK THERE'S A

AMERICA, FOREVER.
Czitrom: I THINK THERE'S A
CRISIS THAT BECOMES SORT OF

Czitrom: I THINK THERE'S A
CRISIS THAT BECOMES SORT OF
CLEAR BY THE TURN OF THE

CRISIS THAT BECOMES SORT OF
CLEAR BY THE TURN OF THE
CENTURY, A CRISIS THAT'S BROUGHT

CLEAR BY THE TURN OF THE
CENTURY, A CRISIS THAT'S BROUGHT
ON PARTLY BY JUST THE ENORMOUS

CENTURY, A CRISIS THAT'S BROUGHT
ON PARTLY BY JUST THE ENORMOUS
SWELL OF POPULATION,

ON PARTLY BY JUST THE ENORMOUS
SWELL OF POPULATION,
PARTICULARLY IN LOWER MANHATTAN,

SWELL OF POPULATION,
PARTICULARLY IN LOWER MANHATTAN,
BY THE NEW IMMIGRATION.

WE TEND TO FORGET THAT THE VAST
MAJORITY OF NEW YORKERS LIVED IN

MAJORITY OF NEW YORKERS LIVED IN
TENEMENTS.

TENEMENTS.
JACOB RIIS' OTHER HALF WAS

JACOB RIIS' OTHER HALF WAS
REALLY THE OTHER TWO-THIRDS, OR

REALLY THE OTHER TWO-THIRDS, OR
EVEN THE OTHER THREE-QUARTERS IF

EVEN THE OTHER THREE-QUARTERS IF
YOU WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT THAT

YOU WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT THAT
WAY.
AND I THINK THERE WERE A LOT OF

AND I THINK THERE WERE A LOT OF
DIFFERENT POLITICAL GROUPS OUT
THERE IN VARIOUS WAYS ALL, I

DIFFERENT POLITICAL GROUPS OUT
THERE IN VARIOUS WAYS ALL, I
THINK, MOVING TOWARDS THE SAME

THERE IN VARIOUS WAYS ALL, I
THINK, MOVING TOWARDS THE SAME
GOAL; NAMELY, HOW TO GET CONTROL

THINK, MOVING TOWARDS THE SAME
GOAL; NAMELY, HOW TO GET CONTROL
OF THE CITY, HOW TO MAKE THE

GOAL; NAMELY, HOW TO GET CONTROL
OF THE CITY, HOW TO MAKE THE
CITY LIVABLE.

OF THE CITY, HOW TO MAKE THE
CITY LIVABLE.
Narrator: FOR ALMOST TWO

CITY LIVABLE.
Narrator: FOR ALMOST TWO
DECADES, THE REFORM MOVEMENT HAD

Narrator: FOR ALMOST TWO
DECADES, THE REFORM MOVEMENT HAD
BEEN GATHERING MOMENTUM IN NEW

DECADES, THE REFORM MOVEMENT HAD
BEEN GATHERING MOMENTUM IN NEW
YORK, EVER SINCE JACOB RIIS'

BEEN GATHERING MOMENTUM IN NEW
YORK, EVER SINCE JACOB RIIS'
SEARING INDICTMENT, HOW THE

YORK, EVER SINCE JACOB RIIS'
SEARING INDICTMENT, HOW THE
OTHER HALF LIVES GALVANIZED THE

SEARING INDICTMENT, HOW THE
OTHER HALF LIVES GALVANIZED THE
CONSCIENCE OF A GENERATION.

OTHER HALF LIVES GALVANIZED THE
CONSCIENCE OF A GENERATION.
YEAR AFTER YEAR, THE MOVEMENT

CONSCIENCE OF A GENERATION.
YEAR AFTER YEAR, THE MOVEMENT
WIDENED, SPURRED ON BY SOCIALIST

YEAR AFTER YEAR, THE MOVEMENT
WIDENED, SPURRED ON BY SOCIALIST
LEADERS, MUCKRAKING JOURNALISTS,

WIDENED, SPURRED ON BY SOCIALIST
LEADERS, MUCKRAKING JOURNALISTS,
IMMIGRANT GROUPS ON THE LOWER

LEADERS, MUCKRAKING JOURNALISTS,
IMMIGRANT GROUPS ON THE LOWER
EAST SIDE, AND AN INCREASING

IMMIGRANT GROUPS ON THE LOWER
EAST SIDE, AND AN INCREASING
NUMBER OF PROGRESSIVE

EAST SIDE, AND AN INCREASING
NUMBER OF PROGRESSIVE
POLITICIANS.

NUMBER OF PROGRESSIVE
POLITICIANS.
IN 1900, RIIS' OLD FRIEND,

POLITICIANS.
IN 1900, RIIS' OLD FRIEND,
THEODORE ROOSEVELT, NOW GOVERNOR

IN 1900, RIIS' OLD FRIEND,
THEODORE ROOSEVELT, NOW GOVERNOR
OF NEW YORK, THREW HIMSELF INTO

THEODORE ROOSEVELT, NOW GOVERNOR
OF NEW YORK, THREW HIMSELF INTO
THE FIGHT FOR HOUSING REFORM.

OF NEW YORK, THREW HIMSELF INTO
THE FIGHT FOR HOUSING REFORM.
BEFORE THE YEAR WAS OUT, THE

THE FIGHT FOR HOUSING REFORM.
BEFORE THE YEAR WAS OUT, THE
PROGRESSIVE POLITICIAN HAD

BEFORE THE YEAR WAS OUT, THE
PROGRESSIVE POLITICIAN HAD
RUSHED A REVOLUTIONARY HOUSING

PROGRESSIVE POLITICIAN HAD
RUSHED A REVOLUTIONARY HOUSING
BILL THROUGH THE NEW YORK STATE

RUSHED A REVOLUTIONARY HOUSING
BILL THROUGH THE NEW YORK STATE
LEGISLATURE, THE FIRST OF ITS

BILL THROUGH THE NEW YORK STATE
LEGISLATURE, THE FIRST OF ITS
KIND IN THE COUNTRY, OUTLAWING

LEGISLATURE, THE FIRST OF ITS
KIND IN THE COUNTRY, OUTLAWING
THE OLD TENEMENTS FOREVER.

KIND IN THE COUNTRY, OUTLAWING
THE OLD TENEMENTS FOREVER.
Wallace: THE PROGRESSIVES

THE OLD TENEMENTS FOREVER.
Wallace: THE PROGRESSIVES
ACTUALLY MAKE SOME PROGRESS.

I MEAN, THEY HAVE CONSEQUENCES.
SOME OF THEIR GREATEST DEGREE OF

SOME OF THEIR GREATEST DEGREE OF
PROGRESS COME IN PUBLIC HEALTH.
NEW YORK CITY IS A FABULOUS

NEW YORK CITY IS A FABULOUS
PIONEER IN DEVELOPING PUBLIC
HEALTH SERVICES AND CLINICS.

PIONEER IN DEVELOPING PUBLIC
HEALTH SERVICES AND CLINICS.
THERE'S A BUREAU OF CHILD

HEALTH SERVICES AND CLINICS.
THERE'S A BUREAU OF CHILD
HYGIENE WHICH DR. S. JOSEPHINE

THERE'S A BUREAU OF CHILD
HYGIENE WHICH DR. S. JOSEPHINE
BAKER ESTABLISHES, WHICH IS THE

HYGIENE WHICH DR. S. JOSEPHINE
BAKER ESTABLISHES, WHICH IS THE
FIRST IN THE WORLD TO SEND

BAKER ESTABLISHES, WHICH IS THE
FIRST IN THE WORLD TO SEND
PEOPLE OUT TO HELP FAMILIES GET

FIRST IN THE WORLD TO SEND
PEOPLE OUT TO HELP FAMILIES GET
THROUGH PREGNANCIES AND CHILD

PEOPLE OUT TO HELP FAMILIES GET
THROUGH PREGNANCIES AND CHILD
REARING.

THROUGH PREGNANCIES AND CHILD
REARING.
THERE ARE ANTI-TUBERCULAR

REARING.
THERE ARE ANTI-TUBERCULAR
CAMPAIGNS.

THERE ARE ANTI-TUBERCULAR
CAMPAIGNS.
THE CITY IS A MODEL AND A

CAMPAIGNS.
THE CITY IS A MODEL AND A
PIONEER IN, AGAIN, DEVELOPING A

THE CITY IS A MODEL AND A
PIONEER IN, AGAIN, DEVELOPING A
SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT TO PUBLIC

PIONEER IN, AGAIN, DEVELOPING A
SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT TO PUBLIC
HEALTH, AND IN FACT SPREADING IT

SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT TO PUBLIC
HEALTH, AND IN FACT SPREADING IT
AROUND.

HEALTH, AND IN FACT SPREADING IT
AROUND.
Narrator: BY 1909, THE

AROUND.
Narrator: BY 1909, THE
PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT IN NEW YORK

Narrator: BY 1909, THE
PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT IN NEW YORK
HAD MADE CRITICAL ADVANCES IN

PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT IN NEW YORK
HAD MADE CRITICAL ADVANCES IN
HEALTH AND HOUSING.

HAD MADE CRITICAL ADVANCES IN
HEALTH AND HOUSING.
BUT NO FORCE, IT SEEMED, COULD

HEALTH AND HOUSING.
BUT NO FORCE, IT SEEMED, COULD
PENETRATE THE CORE OF THE CITY'S

BUT NO FORCE, IT SEEMED, COULD
PENETRATE THE CORE OF THE CITY'S
INDUSTRIAL ENGINE, THE 30,000

PENETRATE THE CORE OF THE CITY'S
INDUSTRIAL ENGINE, THE 30,000
FACTORY FLOORS AND SWEATSHOPS,

INDUSTRIAL ENGINE, THE 30,000
FACTORY FLOORS AND SWEATSHOPS,
WHERE EACH YEAR 612,000 WORKERS,

FACTORY FLOORS AND SWEATSHOPS,
WHERE EACH YEAR 612,000 WORKERS,
MOST OF THEM IMMIGRANTS, WERE

WHERE EACH YEAR 612,000 WORKERS,
MOST OF THEM IMMIGRANTS, WERE
NOW TURNING OUT A TENTH OF THE

MOST OF THEM IMMIGRANTS, WERE
NOW TURNING OUT A TENTH OF THE
INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT OF THE ENTIRE

NOW TURNING OUT A TENTH OF THE
INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT OF THE ENTIRE
UNITED STATES.

INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT OF THE ENTIRE
UNITED STATES.
THE HEART OF THAT MACHINE WAS

UNITED STATES.
THE HEART OF THAT MACHINE WAS
NEW YORK'S FIERCELY COMPETITIVE

THE HEART OF THAT MACHINE WAS
NEW YORK'S FIERCELY COMPETITIVE
GARMENT INDUSTRY, WHERE EACH

NEW YORK'S FIERCELY COMPETITIVE
GARMENT INDUSTRY, WHERE EACH
YEAR, A QUARTER OF A MILLION

GARMENT INDUSTRY, WHERE EACH
YEAR, A QUARTER OF A MILLION
MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN LABORED

YEAR, A QUARTER OF A MILLION
MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN LABORED
WITHOUT REGULATION OF ANY KIND,

MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN LABORED
WITHOUT REGULATION OF ANY KIND,
11 HOURS A DAY, SIX DAYS A WEEK,

WITHOUT REGULATION OF ANY KIND,
11 HOURS A DAY, SIX DAYS A WEEK,
UNDER BRUTAL, DEHUMANIZING, AND

11 HOURS A DAY, SIX DAYS A WEEK,
UNDER BRUTAL, DEHUMANIZING, AND
OFTEN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS.

UNDER BRUTAL, DEHUMANIZING, AND
OFTEN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS.
Abram: YOU MIGHT BE WORKING A

OFTEN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS.
Abram: YOU MIGHT BE WORKING A
16-TO 20-HOUR DAY.

YOU MIGHT BE DOING FINE SEWING
WITHOUT APPROPRIATE LIGHTS.

WITHOUT APPROPRIATE LIGHTS.
YOU CAN'T REALLY SEE, AND YOUR

YOU CAN'T REALLY SEE, AND YOUR
EYES ARE VERY MUCH TAXED, IF NOT

EYES ARE VERY MUCH TAXED, IF NOT
DESTROYED.
YOU ARE LOCKED IN TO YOUR SPACE.

YOU ARE LOCKED IN TO YOUR SPACE.
YOU CANNOT GO AT WILL, FOR
INSTANCE, TO GO TO THE BATHROOM.

YOU CANNOT GO AT WILL, FOR
INSTANCE, TO GO TO THE BATHROOM.
IF YOU ARE SICK, YOU MAY BE

INSTANCE, TO GO TO THE BATHROOM.
IF YOU ARE SICK, YOU MAY BE
FIRED, SO YOU HAVE TO COME IN

IF YOU ARE SICK, YOU MAY BE
FIRED, SO YOU HAVE TO COME IN
SICK.

FIRED, SO YOU HAVE TO COME IN
SICK.
AND YOU'RE PAID BY THE PIECE,

SICK.
AND YOU'RE PAID BY THE PIECE,
WHICH MEANS THAT SPEED IS

AND YOU'RE PAID BY THE PIECE,
WHICH MEANS THAT SPEED IS
EVERYTHING AND QUALITY IS BY THE

WHICH MEANS THAT SPEED IS
EVERYTHING AND QUALITY IS BY THE
BOARDS.

EVERYTHING AND QUALITY IS BY THE
BOARDS.
Narrator: IN MANY SHOPS AND

BOARDS.
Narrator: IN MANY SHOPS AND
FACTORIES, CONDITIONS WERE

Narrator: IN MANY SHOPS AND
FACTORIES, CONDITIONS WERE
NOTHING SHORT OF NIGHTMARISH.

FACTORIES, CONDITIONS WERE
NOTHING SHORT OF NIGHTMARISH.
TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY, SHOP

NOTHING SHORT OF NIGHTMARISH.
TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY, SHOP
FOREMEN SET BRUTAL QUOTAS, FIRED

TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY, SHOP
FOREMEN SET BRUTAL QUOTAS, FIRED
EMPLOYEES WHO LAGGED BEHIND,

FOREMEN SET BRUTAL QUOTAS, FIRED
EMPLOYEES WHO LAGGED BEHIND,
DOCKED THE PAYCHECKS OF ANYONE

EMPLOYEES WHO LAGGED BEHIND,
DOCKED THE PAYCHECKS OF ANYONE
CAUGHT TALKING OR HUMMING ON THE

DOCKED THE PAYCHECKS OF ANYONE
CAUGHT TALKING OR HUMMING ON THE
JOB, AND OFTEN LOCKED THE FIRE

CAUGHT TALKING OR HUMMING ON THE
JOB, AND OFTEN LOCKED THE FIRE
EXITS, TO KEEP OUT UNION

JOB, AND OFTEN LOCKED THE FIRE
EXITS, TO KEEP OUT UNION
ORGANIZERS AND TO KEEP THE WOMEN

EXITS, TO KEEP OUT UNION
ORGANIZERS AND TO KEEP THE WOMEN
FOCUSED ON THEIR JOBS.

ORGANIZERS AND TO KEEP THE WOMEN
FOCUSED ON THEIR JOBS.
Reader: "WE WORKED FROM

FOCUSED ON THEIR JOBS.
Reader: "WE WORKED FROM
SUNRISE TO SET SEVEN DAYS A

Reader: "WE WORKED FROM
SUNRISE TO SET SEVEN DAYS A
WEEK.

SUNRISE TO SET SEVEN DAYS A
WEEK.
THOSE WHO WORKED ON MACHINES HAD

WEEK.
THOSE WHO WORKED ON MACHINES HAD
TO CARRY THEM ON THEIR BACK TO

THOSE WHO WORKED ON MACHINES HAD
TO CARRY THEM ON THEIR BACK TO
AND FROM WORK.

TO CARRY THEM ON THEIR BACK TO
AND FROM WORK.
IT WAS A REGULAR SLAVE FACTORY.

AND FROM WORK.
IT WAS A REGULAR SLAVE FACTORY.
FOR TALKING, SHOP GIRLS WERE

IT WAS A REGULAR SLAVE FACTORY.
FOR TALKING, SHOP GIRLS WERE
IMMEDIATELY FIRED.

FOR TALKING, SHOP GIRLS WERE
IMMEDIATELY FIRED.
THE HISSING OF THE MACHINES, THE

IMMEDIATELY FIRED.
THE HISSING OF THE MACHINES, THE
YELLING OF THE FOREMAN, MADE

THE HISSING OF THE MACHINES, THE
YELLING OF THE FOREMAN, MADE
LIFE UNBEARABLE."

YELLING OF THE FOREMAN, MADE
LIFE UNBEARABLE."
CLARA LEMLICH.

LIFE UNBEARABLE."
CLARA LEMLICH.
Wallace: THE PROBLEM WITH THE

CLARA LEMLICH.
Wallace: THE PROBLEM WITH THE
GARMENT INDUSTRY IS THAT IT IS

Wallace: THE PROBLEM WITH THE
GARMENT INDUSTRY IS THAT IT IS
THOUSANDS OF SMALL BUSINESSMEN,

GARMENT INDUSTRY IS THAT IT IS
THOUSANDS OF SMALL BUSINESSMEN,
MANY OF THEM RECENTLY GARMENT

THOUSANDS OF SMALL BUSINESSMEN,
MANY OF THEM RECENTLY GARMENT
WORKERS THEMSELVES WHO HAVE

MANY OF THEM RECENTLY GARMENT
WORKERS THEMSELVES WHO HAVE
OPENED UP, YOU KNOW, A LITTLE

WORKERS THEMSELVES WHO HAVE
OPENED UP, YOU KNOW, A LITTLE
SHOP, A FLOOR IN A BROWNSTONE,

OPENED UP, YOU KNOW, A LITTLE
SHOP, A FLOOR IN A BROWNSTONE,
IN FACT REQUIRE PEOPLE TO BRING

SHOP, A FLOOR IN A BROWNSTONE,
IN FACT REQUIRE PEOPLE TO BRING
THEIR OWN SEWING MACHINES WITH

IN FACT REQUIRE PEOPLE TO BRING
THEIR OWN SEWING MACHINES WITH
THEM, WHO PAY NEXT TO NOTHING

THEIR OWN SEWING MACHINES WITH
THEM, WHO PAY NEXT TO NOTHING
AND BID AGAINST ONE ANOTHER FOR

THEM, WHO PAY NEXT TO NOTHING
AND BID AGAINST ONE ANOTHER FOR
CONTRACTS FROM BIG GARMENT

AND BID AGAINST ONE ANOTHER FOR
CONTRACTS FROM BIG GARMENT
MANUFACTURERS OR DEPARTMENT

CONTRACTS FROM BIG GARMENT
MANUFACTURERS OR DEPARTMENT
STORES.

MANUFACTURERS OR DEPARTMENT
STORES.
SO EVEN WITH THE BEST OF WILL,

STORES.
SO EVEN WITH THE BEST OF WILL,
IF IN FACT YOU DON'T GRIND YOUR

SO EVEN WITH THE BEST OF WILL,
IF IN FACT YOU DON'T GRIND YOUR
WORKERS DOWN TO THE BARE

IF IN FACT YOU DON'T GRIND YOUR
WORKERS DOWN TO THE BARE
MINIMUM, YOU'RE GOING TO GO OUT

WORKERS DOWN TO THE BARE
MINIMUM, YOU'RE GOING TO GO OUT
OF BUSINESS.

MINIMUM, YOU'RE GOING TO GO OUT
OF BUSINESS.
YOU KNOW, IT'S THE LAISSEZ-

OF BUSINESS.
YOU KNOW, IT'S THE LAISSEZ-
FAIRE COMPETITIVE MARKET AT ITS

YOU KNOW, IT'S THE LAISSEZ-
FAIRE COMPETITIVE MARKET AT ITS
ABSOLUTE WORST.

FAIRE COMPETITIVE MARKET AT ITS
ABSOLUTE WORST.
Narrator: YEAR AFTER YEAR, AS

ABSOLUTE WORST.
Narrator: YEAR AFTER YEAR, AS
THE NUMBER OF IMMIGRANTS

Narrator: YEAR AFTER YEAR, AS
THE NUMBER OF IMMIGRANTS
INCREASED AND CONDITIONS IN THE

THE NUMBER OF IMMIGRANTS
INCREASED AND CONDITIONS IN THE
FACTORIES SLOWLY WORSENED,

INCREASED AND CONDITIONS IN THE
FACTORIES SLOWLY WORSENED,
REFORMERS TROOPED UP TO ALBANY

FACTORIES SLOWLY WORSENED,
REFORMERS TROOPED UP TO ALBANY
TO PLEAD WITH THE STATE

REFORMERS TROOPED UP TO ALBANY
TO PLEAD WITH THE STATE
LEGISLATURE, DEMANDING THAT THE

TO PLEAD WITH THE STATE
LEGISLATURE, DEMANDING THAT THE
GOVERNMENT INTERVENE.

LEGISLATURE, DEMANDING THAT THE
GOVERNMENT INTERVENE.
BUT NOTHING CHANGED.

GOVERNMENT INTERVENE.
BUT NOTHING CHANGED.
NEITHER THE REFORMERS NOR THE

BUT NOTHING CHANGED.
NEITHER THE REFORMERS NOR THE
FLEDGLING GARMENT WORKERS UNION

NEITHER THE REFORMERS NOR THE
FLEDGLING GARMENT WORKERS UNION
COULD OVERCOME THE POWER OF THE

FLEDGLING GARMENT WORKERS UNION
COULD OVERCOME THE POWER OF THE
FACTORY OWNERS OR THE HOSTILITY

COULD OVERCOME THE POWER OF THE
FACTORY OWNERS OR THE HOSTILITY
OF THE MOST POWERFUL POLITICAL

FACTORY OWNERS OR THE HOSTILITY
OF THE MOST POWERFUL POLITICAL
ORGANIZATION IN THE CITY.

OF THE MOST POWERFUL POLITICAL
ORGANIZATION IN THE CITY.
Wallace: THE STUMBLING BLOCK

ORGANIZATION IN THE CITY.
Wallace: THE STUMBLING BLOCK
TO ALL OF THIS IS TAMMANY HALL.

Wallace: THE STUMBLING BLOCK
TO ALL OF THIS IS TAMMANY HALL.
TAMMANY HALL HAS BEEN TALKING

TO ALL OF THIS IS TAMMANY HALL.
TAMMANY HALL HAS BEEN TALKING
LIBERAL; THEY'VE BEEN TALKING

TAMMANY HALL HAS BEEN TALKING
LIBERAL; THEY'VE BEEN TALKING
UNION EVER SINCE THE HENRY

LIBERAL; THEY'VE BEEN TALKING
UNION EVER SINCE THE HENRY
GEORGE CAMPAIGN, WHEN THEY

UNION EVER SINCE THE HENRY
GEORGE CAMPAIGN, WHEN THEY
PERCEIVED A SERIOUS THREAT TO

GEORGE CAMPAIGN, WHEN THEY
PERCEIVED A SERIOUS THREAT TO
THEIR DOMINANCE.

PERCEIVED A SERIOUS THREAT TO
THEIR DOMINANCE.
BUT NONETHELESS, THEY ARE

THEIR DOMINANCE.
BUT NONETHELESS, THEY ARE
BASICALLY IN LEAGUE WITH, IN BED

BUT NONETHELESS, THEY ARE
BASICALLY IN LEAGUE WITH, IN BED
WITH, BIG HOUSING INTERESTS AND

BASICALLY IN LEAGUE WITH, IN BED
WITH, BIG HOUSING INTERESTS AND
REAL ESTATE INTERESTS AND

WITH, BIG HOUSING INTERESTS AND
REAL ESTATE INTERESTS AND
MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.

REAL ESTATE INTERESTS AND
MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.
THEY'RE NOT INTERESTED IN

MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.
THEY'RE NOT INTERESTED IN
ROCKING THE BOAT.

THEY'RE NOT INTERESTED IN
ROCKING THE BOAT.
Narrator: WHEN CHANGE STARTED

ROCKING THE BOAT.
Narrator: WHEN CHANGE STARTED
TO COME, IT WOULD BEGIN IN THE

Narrator: WHEN CHANGE STARTED
TO COME, IT WOULD BEGIN IN THE
MOST UNLIKELY OF PLACES, WITH

TO COME, IT WOULD BEGIN IN THE
MOST UNLIKELY OF PLACES, WITH
THE MOST POWERLESS OF THE CITY'S

MOST UNLIKELY OF PLACES, WITH
THE MOST POWERLESS OF THE CITY'S
LONG-SUFFERING WORKFORCE, THE

THE MOST POWERLESS OF THE CITY'S
LONG-SUFFERING WORKFORCE, THE
IMPOVERISHED TEENAGE DAUGHTERS

LONG-SUFFERING WORKFORCE, THE
IMPOVERISHED TEENAGE DAUGHTERS
OF SOUTHERN ITALIAN IMMIGRANTS

IMPOVERISHED TEENAGE DAUGHTERS
OF SOUTHERN ITALIAN IMMIGRANTS
AND EASTERN EUROPEAN JEWS.

OF SOUTHERN ITALIAN IMMIGRANTS
AND EASTERN EUROPEAN JEWS.
ALL THROUGH THE SUMMER OF 1909,

AND EASTERN EUROPEAN JEWS.
ALL THROUGH THE SUMMER OF 1909,
ANGER AND FRUSTRATION HAD BEEN

ALL THROUGH THE SUMMER OF 1909,
ANGER AND FRUSTRATION HAD BEEN
BUILDING AMONGST THE YOUNG

ANGER AND FRUSTRATION HAD BEEN
BUILDING AMONGST THE YOUNG
WOMEN.

BUILDING AMONGST THE YOUNG
WOMEN.
WHEN A SERIES OF SMALL STRIKES

WOMEN.
WHEN A SERIES OF SMALL STRIKES
FAILED TO MAKE HEADWAY, THE

WHEN A SERIES OF SMALL STRIKES
FAILED TO MAKE HEADWAY, THE
DARING IDEA OF A GENERAL STRIKE,

FAILED TO MAKE HEADWAY, THE
DARING IDEA OF A GENERAL STRIKE,
AIMED NOT JUST AT ONE

DARING IDEA OF A GENERAL STRIKE,
AIMED NOT JUST AT ONE
MANUFACTURER BUT AT THE INDUSTRY

AIMED NOT JUST AT ONE
MANUFACTURER BUT AT THE INDUSTRY
AS A WHOLE, BEGAN TO TAKE HOLD.

MANUFACTURER BUT AT THE INDUSTRY
AS A WHOLE, BEGAN TO TAKE HOLD.
ON THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 22,

AS A WHOLE, BEGAN TO TAKE HOLD.
ON THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 22,
3,000 WOMEN, MOST OF THEM STILL

ON THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 22,
3,000 WOMEN, MOST OF THEM STILL
IN THEIR TEENS, SHOWED UP FOR A

3,000 WOMEN, MOST OF THEM STILL
IN THEIR TEENS, SHOWED UP FOR A
MASS MEETING AT THE GREAT HALL

IN THEIR TEENS, SHOWED UP FOR A
MASS MEETING AT THE GREAT HALL
OF COOPER UNION.

MASS MEETING AT THE GREAT HALL
OF COOPER UNION.
AS THE NIGHT WORE ON, THE UNION

OF COOPER UNION.
AS THE NIGHT WORE ON, THE UNION
LEADERS, MOST OF THEM MEN,

AS THE NIGHT WORE ON, THE UNION
LEADERS, MOST OF THEM MEN,
CONTINUED TO COUNSEL CAUTION,

LEADERS, MOST OF THEM MEN,
CONTINUED TO COUNSEL CAUTION,
WARNING THAT A GENERAL STRIKE

CONTINUED TO COUNSEL CAUTION,
WARNING THAT A GENERAL STRIKE
WOULD SPARK BRUTAL REPRISALS

WARNING THAT A GENERAL STRIKE
WOULD SPARK BRUTAL REPRISALS
FROM THE OWNERS.

WOULD SPARK BRUTAL REPRISALS
FROM THE OWNERS.
BUT THEN A MEMBER OF THE

FROM THE OWNERS.
BUT THEN A MEMBER OF THE
AUDIENCE CAME FORWARD, A FRAIL

BUT THEN A MEMBER OF THE
AUDIENCE CAME FORWARD, A FRAIL
23-YEAR-OLD SEAMSTRESS AND UNION

AUDIENCE CAME FORWARD, A FRAIL
23-YEAR-OLD SEAMSTRESS AND UNION
ACTIVIST NAMED CLARA LEMLICH, SO

23-YEAR-OLD SEAMSTRESS AND UNION
ACTIVIST NAMED CLARA LEMLICH, SO
BATTERED FROM A RECENT BRAWL ON

ACTIVIST NAMED CLARA LEMLICH, SO
BATTERED FROM A RECENT BRAWL ON
A PICKET LINE THAT SHE HAD TO BE

BATTERED FROM A RECENT BRAWL ON
A PICKET LINE THAT SHE HAD TO BE
HELPED TO THE PLATFORM.

A PICKET LINE THAT SHE HAD TO BE
HELPED TO THE PLATFORM.
BUT ONCE BEFORE THE CROWD, HER

HELPED TO THE PLATFORM.
BUT ONCE BEFORE THE CROWD, HER
VOICE ROSE, AND SHE SPOKE WITH

BUT ONCE BEFORE THE CROWD, HER
VOICE ROSE, AND SHE SPOKE WITH
MESMERIZING FERVOR.

VOICE ROSE, AND SHE SPOKE WITH
MESMERIZING FERVOR.
"I AM A WORKING GIRL," SHE SAID

MESMERIZING FERVOR.
"I AM A WORKING GIRL," SHE SAID
IN YIDDISH, IN A RUSH OF WORDS

"I AM A WORKING GIRL," SHE SAID
IN YIDDISH, IN A RUSH OF WORDS
THAT NO ONE PRESENT WOULD EVER

IN YIDDISH, IN A RUSH OF WORDS
THAT NO ONE PRESENT WOULD EVER
FORGET, "ONE OF THOSE WHO ARE ON

THAT NO ONE PRESENT WOULD EVER
FORGET, "ONE OF THOSE WHO ARE ON
STRIKE AGAINST INTOLERABLE

FORGET, "ONE OF THOSE WHO ARE ON
STRIKE AGAINST INTOLERABLE
CONDITIONS.

STRIKE AGAINST INTOLERABLE
CONDITIONS.
I AM TIRED OF LISTENING TO

CONDITIONS.
I AM TIRED OF LISTENING TO
SPEAKERS WHO TALK IN GENERAL

I AM TIRED OF LISTENING TO
SPEAKERS WHO TALK IN GENERAL
TERMS.

SPEAKERS WHO TALK IN GENERAL
TERMS.
I MOVE THAT WE GO ON A GENERAL

TERMS.
I MOVE THAT WE GO ON A GENERAL
STRIKE, NOW."

I MOVE THAT WE GO ON A GENERAL
STRIKE, NOW."
THE RESPONSE WAS OVERWHELMING.

STRIKE, NOW."
THE RESPONSE WAS OVERWHELMING.
AS JEWISH WORKERS TRANSLATED

THE RESPONSE WAS OVERWHELMING.
AS JEWISH WORKERS TRANSLATED
LEMLICH'S WORDS INTO ENGLISH AND

AS JEWISH WORKERS TRANSLATED
LEMLICH'S WORDS INTO ENGLISH AND
ITALIAN, THE HALL EXPLODED INTO

LEMLICH'S WORDS INTO ENGLISH AND
ITALIAN, THE HALL EXPLODED INTO
THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE, AND HER

ITALIAN, THE HALL EXPLODED INTO
THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE, AND HER
MOTION WAS RESOUNDINGLY

THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE, AND HER
MOTION WAS RESOUNDINGLY
ENDORSED.

MOTION WAS RESOUNDINGLY
ENDORSED.
THE NEXT MORNING, 15,000

ENDORSED.
THE NEXT MORNING, 15,000
SHIRTWAIST WORKERS LEFT THEIR

THE NEXT MORNING, 15,000
SHIRTWAIST WORKERS LEFT THEIR
MACHINES AND MANNED THE PICKET

SHIRTWAIST WORKERS LEFT THEIR
MACHINES AND MANNED THE PICKET
LINES.

MACHINES AND MANNED THE PICKET
LINES.
WITHIN DAYS, THEY HAD BEEN

LINES.
WITHIN DAYS, THEY HAD BEEN
JOINED BY 5,000 MORE.

WITHIN DAYS, THEY HAD BEEN
JOINED BY 5,000 MORE.
Reader: "THOUSANDS AND

JOINED BY 5,000 MORE.
Reader: "THOUSANDS AND
THOUSANDS LEFT THE FACTORIES

Reader: "THOUSANDS AND
THOUSANDS LEFT THE FACTORIES
FROM EVERY SIDE, ALL OF THEM

THOUSANDS LEFT THE FACTORIES
FROM EVERY SIDE, ALL OF THEM
WALKING DOWN TOWARD UNION

FROM EVERY SIDE, ALL OF THEM
WALKING DOWN TOWARD UNION
SQUARE.

WALKING DOWN TOWARD UNION
SQUARE.
IT WAS NOVEMBER.

SQUARE.
IT WAS NOVEMBER.
THE COLD WINTER WAS JUST AROUND

IT WAS NOVEMBER.
THE COLD WINTER WAS JUST AROUND
THE CORNER.

THE COLD WINTER WAS JUST AROUND
THE CORNER.
WE HAD NO FUR COATS TO KEEP US

THE CORNER.
WE HAD NO FUR COATS TO KEEP US
WARM, AND YET THERE WAS THE

WE HAD NO FUR COATS TO KEEP US
WARM, AND YET THERE WAS THE
SPIRIT THAT LED US ON AND ON."

WARM, AND YET THERE WAS THE
SPIRIT THAT LED US ON AND ON."
PAULINE NEWMAN.

SPIRIT THAT LED US ON AND ON."
PAULINE NEWMAN.
Narrator: IT IS "A CONFLICT

PAULINE NEWMAN.
Narrator: IT IS "A CONFLICT
BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEES,"

Narrator: IT IS "A CONFLICT
BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEES,"
ONE NEWSPAPER WROTE, "NOT ONLY

BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEES,"
ONE NEWSPAPER WROTE, "NOT ONLY
UNPRECEDENTED IN ITS

ONE NEWSPAPER WROTE, "NOT ONLY
UNPRECEDENTED IN ITS
DEVELOPMENT, BUT ALSO THE

UNPRECEDENTED IN ITS
DEVELOPMENT, BUT ALSO THE
LARGEST STRIKE OF WOMEN EVER

DEVELOPMENT, BUT ALSO THE
LARGEST STRIKE OF WOMEN EVER
KNOWN IN THE UNITED STATES."

LARGEST STRIKE OF WOMEN EVER
KNOWN IN THE UNITED STATES."
ON THE PICKET LINES, ILL-CLAD

KNOWN IN THE UNITED STATES."
ON THE PICKET LINES, ILL-CLAD
YOUNG WOMEN STOOD SHIVERING IN

ON THE PICKET LINES, ILL-CLAD
YOUNG WOMEN STOOD SHIVERING IN
THE FREEZING RAIN AND COLD,

YOUNG WOMEN STOOD SHIVERING IN
THE FREEZING RAIN AND COLD,
HUDDLING TOGETHER FOR WARMTH.

THE FREEZING RAIN AND COLD,
HUDDLING TOGETHER FOR WARMTH.
"AN EQUAL NUMBER OF MEN," ONE

HUDDLING TOGETHER FOR WARMTH.
"AN EQUAL NUMBER OF MEN," ONE
UNION OFFICIAL SAID, "WOULD

"AN EQUAL NUMBER OF MEN," ONE
UNION OFFICIAL SAID, "WOULD
NEVER HOLD TOGETHER UNDER WHAT

UNION OFFICIAL SAID, "WOULD
NEVER HOLD TOGETHER UNDER WHAT
THESE GIRLS ARE ENDURING."

NEVER HOLD TOGETHER UNDER WHAT
THESE GIRLS ARE ENDURING."
Wallace: THEY'RE UP AGAINST

THESE GIRLS ARE ENDURING."
Wallace: THEY'RE UP AGAINST
IT, BECAUSE TAMMANY, FOR

Wallace: THEY'RE UP AGAINST
IT, BECAUSE TAMMANY, FOR
WHATEVER ITS PROFESSIONS, IS IN

IT, BECAUSE TAMMANY, FOR
WHATEVER ITS PROFESSIONS, IS IN
FACT SENDING THE POLICE.

WHATEVER ITS PROFESSIONS, IS IN
FACT SENDING THE POLICE.
THE POLICE ARE ARRESTING THESE

FACT SENDING THE POLICE.
THE POLICE ARE ARRESTING THESE
FOLKS IN LARGE NUMBERS IN VERY

THE POLICE ARE ARRESTING THESE
FOLKS IN LARGE NUMBERS IN VERY
DEMEANING WAYS.

FOLKS IN LARGE NUMBERS IN VERY
DEMEANING WAYS.
THEY'RE, IN FACT, DRAGGING OFF

DEMEANING WAYS.
THEY'RE, IN FACT, DRAGGING OFF
THE WOMEN AND CALLING THEM... AS

THEY'RE, IN FACT, DRAGGING OFF
THE WOMEN AND CALLING THEM... AS
THEY ARE TECHNICALLY DOING,

THE WOMEN AND CALLING THEM... AS
THEY ARE TECHNICALLY DOING,
WALKING UP AND DOWN...

THEY ARE TECHNICALLY DOING,
WALKING UP AND DOWN...
STREETWALKERS, AND THEY'D TOSS

WALKING UP AND DOWN...
STREETWALKERS, AND THEY'D TOSS
THEM IN JAIL WITH HARDENED

STREETWALKERS, AND THEY'D TOSS
THEM IN JAIL WITH HARDENED
PROSTITUTES AND SUCH.

THEM IN JAIL WITH HARDENED
PROSTITUTES AND SUCH.
Narrator: BY THE THIRD WEEK

PROSTITUTES AND SUCH.
Narrator: BY THE THIRD WEEK
OF DECEMBER, THE UNION'S

Narrator: BY THE THIRD WEEK
OF DECEMBER, THE UNION'S
FINANCIAL RESOURCES WERE ALL BUT

OF DECEMBER, THE UNION'S
FINANCIAL RESOURCES WERE ALL BUT
EXHAUSTED, WHEN THE FLAME OF

FINANCIAL RESOURCES WERE ALL BUT
EXHAUSTED, WHEN THE FLAME OF
PROTEST LEAPT FROM THE RAGGED

EXHAUSTED, WHEN THE FLAME OF
PROTEST LEAPT FROM THE RAGGED
BAND OF IMMIGRANT WOMEN TO THE

PROTEST LEAPT FROM THE RAGGED
BAND OF IMMIGRANT WOMEN TO THE
WIVES AND DAUGHTERS OF SOME OF

BAND OF IMMIGRANT WOMEN TO THE
WIVES AND DAUGHTERS OF SOME OF
THE RICHEST MEN IN THE CITY.

Peiss: SOME OF THE PICKET
LINES CONTAINED WOMEN IN MINKS

LINES CONTAINED WOMEN IN MINKS
AS WELL AS WOMEN IN THEIR

AS WELL AS WOMEN IN THEIR
SHIRTWAISTS, AND IT GOT A HUGE

SHIRTWAISTS, AND IT GOT A HUGE
AMOUNT OF PUBLICITY IN THE PRESS

AMOUNT OF PUBLICITY IN THE PRESS
AND BECAME A KIND OF CAUSE

AND BECAME A KIND OF CAUSE
CELEBRE IN THE CITY.
Narrator: IN THE END, THE

Narrator: IN THE END, THE
UPRISING OF THE 20,000, THE
FIRST GREAT STRIKE OF THE MODERN

UPRISING OF THE 20,000, THE
FIRST GREAT STRIKE OF THE MODERN
LABOR MOVEMENT IN NEW YORK, WAS

FIRST GREAT STRIKE OF THE MODERN
LABOR MOVEMENT IN NEW YORK, WAS
DOOMED TO FAILURE, AS DWINDLING

LABOR MOVEMENT IN NEW YORK, WAS
DOOMED TO FAILURE, AS DWINDLING
RESOURCES AND BITTER COLD TOOK

DOOMED TO FAILURE, AS DWINDLING
RESOURCES AND BITTER COLD TOOK
THEIR TOLL.

RESOURCES AND BITTER COLD TOOK
THEIR TOLL.
BUT WHAT CLARA LEMLICH AND HER

THEIR TOLL.
BUT WHAT CLARA LEMLICH AND HER
SISTERS HAD STARTED COULD NEVER

BUT WHAT CLARA LEMLICH AND HER
SISTERS HAD STARTED COULD NEVER
BE UNDONE.

SISTERS HAD STARTED COULD NEVER
BE UNDONE.
THREE MONTHS LATER, 60,000

BE UNDONE.
THREE MONTHS LATER, 60,000
MEMBERS OF THE CLOAKMAKERS'

THREE MONTHS LATER, 60,000
MEMBERS OF THE CLOAKMAKERS'
UNION WENT OUT, BRINGING THE

MEMBERS OF THE CLOAKMAKERS'
UNION WENT OUT, BRINGING THE
GARMENT INDUSTRY TO A HALT AND

UNION WENT OUT, BRINGING THE
GARMENT INDUSTRY TO A HALT AND
FORCING OWNERS TO THE BARGAINING

GARMENT INDUSTRY TO A HALT AND
FORCING OWNERS TO THE BARGAINING
TABLE IN EARNEST.

FORCING OWNERS TO THE BARGAINING
TABLE IN EARNEST.
Czitrom: THE RISING OF THE

TABLE IN EARNEST.
Czitrom: THE RISING OF THE
20,000, 1909-1910, REALLY

Czitrom: THE RISING OF THE
20,000, 1909-1910, REALLY
REPRESENTS, I THINK, THE FIRST

20,000, 1909-1910, REALLY
REPRESENTS, I THINK, THE FIRST
MODERN SUCCESSFUL EFFORT TO

REPRESENTS, I THINK, THE FIRST
MODERN SUCCESSFUL EFFORT TO
UNIONIZE GARMENT WORKERS,

MODERN SUCCESSFUL EFFORT TO
UNIONIZE GARMENT WORKERS,
PARTICULARLY WORKERS IN SO-

UNIONIZE GARMENT WORKERS,
PARTICULARLY WORKERS IN SO-
CALLED LADIES' GARMENTS.

PARTICULARLY WORKERS IN SO-
CALLED LADIES' GARMENTS.
IT REALLY IS THE GENESIS OF THE

CALLED LADIES' GARMENTS.
IT REALLY IS THE GENESIS OF THE
INTERNATIONAL LADIES' GARMENT

IT REALLY IS THE GENESIS OF THE
INTERNATIONAL LADIES' GARMENT
WORKERS UNION.

INTERNATIONAL LADIES' GARMENT
WORKERS UNION.
IT REALLY MARKS A TURNING POINT,

WORKERS UNION.
IT REALLY MARKS A TURNING POINT,
I THINK, AS WELL IN THE EMERGING

IT REALLY MARKS A TURNING POINT,
I THINK, AS WELL IN THE EMERGING
POLITICAL POWER, AS WELL AS

I THINK, AS WELL IN THE EMERGING
POLITICAL POWER, AS WELL AS
UNION POWER OF THE IMMIGRANT

POLITICAL POWER, AS WELL AS
UNION POWER OF THE IMMIGRANT
WORKING CLASS.

UNION POWER OF THE IMMIGRANT
WORKING CLASS.
Narrator: BUT THOUGH THE

WORKING CLASS.
Narrator: BUT THOUGH THE
RESULTING SETTLEMENT, CALLED

Narrator: BUT THOUGH THE
RESULTING SETTLEMENT, CALLED
"THE PROTOCOL OF PEACE,"

RESULTING SETTLEMENT, CALLED
"THE PROTOCOL OF PEACE,"
REPRESENTED ANOTHER STEP

"THE PROTOCOL OF PEACE,"
REPRESENTED ANOTHER STEP
FORWARD, FEW REAL CONCESSIONS

REPRESENTED ANOTHER STEP
FORWARD, FEW REAL CONCESSIONS
HAD BEEN WRUNG FROM THE FACTORY

FORWARD, FEW REAL CONCESSIONS
HAD BEEN WRUNG FROM THE FACTORY
OWNERS, AND SOME OF THE LARGEST

HAD BEEN WRUNG FROM THE FACTORY
OWNERS, AND SOME OF THE LARGEST
FIRMS, LIKE THE BIG TRIANGLE

OWNERS, AND SOME OF THE LARGEST
FIRMS, LIKE THE BIG TRIANGLE
SHIRTWAIST COMPANY ON THE EAST

FIRMS, LIKE THE BIG TRIANGLE
SHIRTWAIST COMPANY ON THE EAST
SIDE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE, HAD

SHIRTWAIST COMPANY ON THE EAST
SIDE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE, HAD
SIMPLY REFUSED TO SIGN THE

SIDE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE, HAD
SIMPLY REFUSED TO SIGN THE
PROTOCOL AT ALL.

SIMPLY REFUSED TO SIGN THE
PROTOCOL AT ALL.
FOR ALL THAT HAD BEEN

PROTOCOL AT ALL.
FOR ALL THAT HAD BEEN
ACCOMPLISHED, THERE WAS STILL NO

FOR ALL THAT HAD BEEN
ACCOMPLISHED, THERE WAS STILL NO
LAW REGULATING CONDITIONS IN NEW

ACCOMPLISHED, THERE WAS STILL NO
LAW REGULATING CONDITIONS IN NEW
YORK'S FACTORIES, WHICH BY THE

LAW REGULATING CONDITIONS IN NEW
YORK'S FACTORIES, WHICH BY THE
SPRING OF 1911 REMAINED AS

YORK'S FACTORIES, WHICH BY THE
SPRING OF 1911 REMAINED AS
BRUTAL, UNSANITARY, AND

SPRING OF 1911 REMAINED AS
BRUTAL, UNSANITARY, AND
DANGEROUS AS EVER.

BRUTAL, UNSANITARY, AND
DANGEROUS AS EVER.
IN THE PAST YEAR ALONE, FOUR

DANGEROUS AS EVER.
IN THE PAST YEAR ALONE, FOUR
SMALL FIRES HAD BROKEN OUT IN

IN THE PAST YEAR ALONE, FOUR
SMALL FIRES HAD BROKEN OUT IN
THE BUILDING OCCUPIED BY THE

SMALL FIRES HAD BROKEN OUT IN
THE BUILDING OCCUPIED BY THE
TRIANGLE FACTORY, WHOSE OWNERS

THE BUILDING OCCUPIED BY THE
TRIANGLE FACTORY, WHOSE OWNERS
STILL DID NOTHING, POINTING OUT

TRIANGLE FACTORY, WHOSE OWNERS
STILL DID NOTHING, POINTING OUT
THAT, UNDER THE CITY CODE, THEIR

STILL DID NOTHING, POINTING OUT
THAT, UNDER THE CITY CODE, THEIR
BUILDING WAS TECHNICALLY

THAT, UNDER THE CITY CODE, THEIR
BUILDING WAS TECHNICALLY
FIREPROOF.

BUILDING WAS TECHNICALLY
FIREPROOF.
LATE ON THE AFTERNOON OF

FIREPROOF.
LATE ON THE AFTERNOON OF
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1911, THE

LATE ON THE AFTERNOON OF
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1911, THE
500 EMPLOYEES OF THE TRIANGLE

SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1911, THE
500 EMPLOYEES OF THE TRIANGLE
SHIRTWAIST COMPANY WERE RACING

500 EMPLOYEES OF THE TRIANGLE
SHIRTWAIST COMPANY WERE RACING
TO FILL THEIR QUOTAS, TEENAGE

SHIRTWAIST COMPANY WERE RACING
TO FILL THEIR QUOTAS, TEENAGE
GIRLS FOR THE MOST PART, EAGER

TO FILL THEIR QUOTAS, TEENAGE
GIRLS FOR THE MOST PART, EAGER
TO FINISH UP, COLLECT THEIR PAY,

GIRLS FOR THE MOST PART, EAGER
TO FINISH UP, COLLECT THEIR PAY,
AND PLUNGE INTO THE MILD SPRING

TO FINISH UP, COLLECT THEIR PAY,
AND PLUNGE INTO THE MILD SPRING
EVENING.

AND PLUNGE INTO THE MILD SPRING
EVENING.
AROUND 4:45 P.M., WITH JUST 15

EVENING.
AROUND 4:45 P.M., WITH JUST 15
MINUTES LEFT IN THE WORKDAY,

AROUND 4:45 P.M., WITH JUST 15
MINUTES LEFT IN THE WORKDAY,
SOMEONE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR MUST

MINUTES LEFT IN THE WORKDAY,
SOMEONE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR MUST
HAVE DROPPED A MATCH OR BURNING

SOMEONE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR MUST
HAVE DROPPED A MATCH OR BURNING
CIGARETTE INTO THE HEAPS OF

HAVE DROPPED A MATCH OR BURNING
CIGARETTE INTO THE HEAPS OF
DISCARDED FABRIC THAT LITTERED

CIGARETTE INTO THE HEAPS OF
DISCARDED FABRIC THAT LITTERED
THE SHOP FLOOR.

DISCARDED FABRIC THAT LITTERED
THE SHOP FLOOR.
Freeman: THE TRIANGLE

THE SHOP FLOOR.
Freeman: THE TRIANGLE
SHIRTWAIST FACTORY OCCUPIED THE

Freeman: THE TRIANGLE
SHIRTWAIST FACTORY OCCUPIED THE
TOP FLOORS OF A TEN-STORY

SHIRTWAIST FACTORY OCCUPIED THE
TOP FLOORS OF A TEN-STORY
BUILDING, AND A FIRE BROKE OUT.

TOP FLOORS OF A TEN-STORY
BUILDING, AND A FIRE BROKE OUT.
APPARENTLY SOMEBODY DROPPED A

BUILDING, AND A FIRE BROKE OUT.
APPARENTLY SOMEBODY DROPPED A
CIGARETTE INTO A DRAWER THAT

APPARENTLY SOMEBODY DROPPED A
CIGARETTE INTO A DRAWER THAT
HELD WHAT THEY CALLED REMNANTS,

CIGARETTE INTO A DRAWER THAT
HELD WHAT THEY CALLED REMNANTS,
OR SCRAPS OF CLOTH.

AND THE FIRE SPREAD PRETTY
QUICKLY, AND THE DOORS WERE

QUICKLY, AND THE DOORS WERE
LOCKED, ALLEGEDLY TO KEEP OUT

LOCKED, ALLEGEDLY TO KEEP OUT
UNION ORGANIZERS.
THIS HAD BEEN A COMPANY THAT HAD

THIS HAD BEEN A COMPANY THAT HAD
RESISTED UNIONIZATION OR WAS
TRYING TO.

RESISTED UNIONIZATION OR WAS
TRYING TO.
SO WITH THIS RAPIDLY SPREADING

TRYING TO.
SO WITH THIS RAPIDLY SPREADING
FIRE, THERE WAS REALLY VERY

SO WITH THIS RAPIDLY SPREADING
FIRE, THERE WAS REALLY VERY
LITTLE WAY TO GET OUT, AND THE

FIRE, THERE WAS REALLY VERY
LITTLE WAY TO GET OUT, AND THE
RESULT WAS A HORRIBLE CARNAGE.

LITTLE WAY TO GET OUT, AND THE
RESULT WAS A HORRIBLE CARNAGE.
Narrator: WITHIN SECONDS, THE

RESULT WAS A HORRIBLE CARNAGE.
Narrator: WITHIN SECONDS, THE
COMBUSTIBLE LITTER OF CLOTH AND

Narrator: WITHIN SECONDS, THE
COMBUSTIBLE LITTER OF CLOTH AND
TISSUE PAPER HAD BURST INTO

COMBUSTIBLE LITTER OF CLOTH AND
TISSUE PAPER HAD BURST INTO
FLAMES, AND BEFORE ANYONE COULD

TISSUE PAPER HAD BURST INTO
FLAMES, AND BEFORE ANYONE COULD
STOP IT, THE FIRE BEGAN TO

FLAMES, AND BEFORE ANYONE COULD
STOP IT, THE FIRE BEGAN TO
SPREAD WITH STARTLING SPEED FROM

STOP IT, THE FIRE BEGAN TO
SPREAD WITH STARTLING SPEED FROM
ONE STACK OF FABRIC TO ANOTHER,

SPREAD WITH STARTLING SPEED FROM
ONE STACK OF FABRIC TO ANOTHER,
AS CRIES OF PANIC WENT OUT AND

ONE STACK OF FABRIC TO ANOTHER,
AS CRIES OF PANIC WENT OUT AND
TERRIFIED WORKERS SCRAMBLED FOR

AS CRIES OF PANIC WENT OUT AND
TERRIFIED WORKERS SCRAMBLED FOR
THE EXITS.

TERRIFIED WORKERS SCRAMBLED FOR
THE EXITS.
Reader: "I HEARD SOMEBODY

THE EXITS.
Reader: "I HEARD SOMEBODY
CRY, 'FIRE!'

Reader: "I HEARD SOMEBODY
CRY, 'FIRE!'
I RAN FOR THE DOOR ON THE

CRY, 'FIRE!'
I RAN FOR THE DOOR ON THE
WASHINGTON PLACE SIDE, BUT THE

I RAN FOR THE DOOR ON THE
WASHINGTON PLACE SIDE, BUT THE
DOOR WAS LOCKED, AND IMMEDIATELY

WASHINGTON PLACE SIDE, BUT THE
DOOR WAS LOCKED, AND IMMEDIATELY
THERE WAS A GREAT JAM OF GIRLS

DOOR WAS LOCKED, AND IMMEDIATELY
THERE WAS A GREAT JAM OF GIRLS
BEFORE IT.

THERE WAS A GREAT JAM OF GIRLS
BEFORE IT.
SOME GIRLS WERE SCREAMING.

BEFORE IT.
SOME GIRLS WERE SCREAMING.
SOME WERE BEATING THE DOOR WITH

SOME GIRLS WERE SCREAMING.
SOME WERE BEATING THE DOOR WITH
THEIR FISTS.

SOME WERE BEATING THE DOOR WITH
THEIR FISTS.
SOME WERE TRYING TO TEAR IT

THEIR FISTS.
SOME WERE TRYING TO TEAR IT
OPEN."

SOME WERE TRYING TO TEAR IT
OPEN."
ROSIE SAFRAN.

OPEN."
ROSIE SAFRAN.
Peiss: IT WAS HORRIFYING.

ROSIE SAFRAN.
Peiss: IT WAS HORRIFYING.
IT WAS A LARGE LOFT IN WHICH THE

Peiss: IT WAS HORRIFYING.
IT WAS A LARGE LOFT IN WHICH THE
DOORS HAD BEEN LOCKED FROM THE

IT WAS A LARGE LOFT IN WHICH THE
DOORS HAD BEEN LOCKED FROM THE
OUTSIDE, AND SO WHEN THE FIRE

DOORS HAD BEEN LOCKED FROM THE
OUTSIDE, AND SO WHEN THE FIRE
BEGAN, THE WOMEN WORKING AT THE

OUTSIDE, AND SO WHEN THE FIRE
BEGAN, THE WOMEN WORKING AT THE
MACHINES TRIED TO GET OUT OF THE

BEGAN, THE WOMEN WORKING AT THE
MACHINES TRIED TO GET OUT OF THE
OF THE EXITS, COULD NOT MOVE THE

MACHINES TRIED TO GET OUT OF THE
OF THE EXITS, COULD NOT MOVE THE
DOORS, AND THERE ARE ACCOUNTS OF

OF THE EXITS, COULD NOT MOVE THE
DOORS, AND THERE ARE ACCOUNTS OF
BODIES BEING CRUSHED UP AGAINST

DOORS, AND THERE ARE ACCOUNTS OF
BODIES BEING CRUSHED UP AGAINST
THE DOORS AND OF WOMEN TRYING TO

BODIES BEING CRUSHED UP AGAINST
THE DOORS AND OF WOMEN TRYING TO
ESCAPE.

THE DOORS AND OF WOMEN TRYING TO
ESCAPE.
Narrator: MOST WORKERS ON THE

ESCAPE.
Narrator: MOST WORKERS ON THE
TENTH FLOOR MANAGED TO ESCAPE,

Narrator: MOST WORKERS ON THE
TENTH FLOOR MANAGED TO ESCAPE,
HELPED TO SAFETY ACROSS AN

TENTH FLOOR MANAGED TO ESCAPE,
HELPED TO SAFETY ACROSS AN
ADJOINING ROOFTOP BY STUDENTS

HELPED TO SAFETY ACROSS AN
ADJOINING ROOFTOP BY STUDENTS
FROM NEW YORK UNIVERSITY.

ADJOINING ROOFTOP BY STUDENTS
FROM NEW YORK UNIVERSITY.
HUNDREDS MORE MADE IT DOWN BY

FROM NEW YORK UNIVERSITY.
HUNDREDS MORE MADE IT DOWN BY
ELEVATOR, 30 PEOPLE AT A TIME

HUNDREDS MORE MADE IT DOWN BY
ELEVATOR, 30 PEOPLE AT A TIME
JAMMED INTO CARS MEANT TO HOLD

ELEVATOR, 30 PEOPLE AT A TIME
JAMMED INTO CARS MEANT TO HOLD
HALF THAT NUMBER.

JAMMED INTO CARS MEANT TO HOLD
HALF THAT NUMBER.
BUT BY 4:55, THE SEARING HEAT

HALF THAT NUMBER.
BUT BY 4:55, THE SEARING HEAT
HAD FORCED THE LAST OF THE

BUT BY 4:55, THE SEARING HEAT
HAD FORCED THE LAST OF THE
ELEVATORS OUT OF SERVICE, AND

HAD FORCED THE LAST OF THE
ELEVATORS OUT OF SERVICE, AND
WITH THE FIRE NOW SPREADING FROM

ELEVATORS OUT OF SERVICE, AND
WITH THE FIRE NOW SPREADING FROM
THE EIGHTH FLOOR TO THE NINTH,

WITH THE FIRE NOW SPREADING FROM
THE EIGHTH FLOOR TO THE NINTH,
NEARLY 200 WOMEN REMAINED

THE EIGHTH FLOOR TO THE NINTH,
NEARLY 200 WOMEN REMAINED
TRAPPED IN THE BUILDING WITH NO

NEARLY 200 WOMEN REMAINED
TRAPPED IN THE BUILDING WITH NO
MEANS OF ESCAPE.

TRAPPED IN THE BUILDING WITH NO
MEANS OF ESCAPE.
ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR, WORKERS

MEANS OF ESCAPE.
ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR, WORKERS
TRIED BRAVELY TO STOP THE FIRE,

ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR, WORKERS
TRIED BRAVELY TO STOP THE FIRE,
BUT THE FLAMES WERE TOO QUICK,

TRIED BRAVELY TO STOP THE FIRE,
BUT THE FLAMES WERE TOO QUICK,
AND THE WATER PRESSURE IN THE

BUT THE FLAMES WERE TOO QUICK,
AND THE WATER PRESSURE IN THE
FIRE HOSES FAILED THEM.

AND THE WATER PRESSURE IN THE
FIRE HOSES FAILED THEM.
AS THE SEARING HEAT AND SMOKE

FIRE HOSES FAILED THEM.
AS THE SEARING HEAT AND SMOKE
INTENSIFIED, THE FACTORY FLOOR

AS THE SEARING HEAT AND SMOKE
INTENSIFIED, THE FACTORY FLOOR
BECAME AN INCINERATOR, AND AS

INTENSIFIED, THE FACTORY FLOOR
BECAME AN INCINERATOR, AND AS
BODIES PILED UP IN FRONT OF THE

BECAME AN INCINERATOR, AND AS
BODIES PILED UP IN FRONT OF THE
LOCKED MAIN EXIT, THOSE WHO

BODIES PILED UP IN FRONT OF THE
LOCKED MAIN EXIT, THOSE WHO
STILL COULD RACED FOR A FIRE

LOCKED MAIN EXIT, THOSE WHO
STILL COULD RACED FOR A FIRE
ESCAPE ON THE FAR WESTERN END OF

STILL COULD RACED FOR A FIRE
ESCAPE ON THE FAR WESTERN END OF
THE BUILDING.

ESCAPE ON THE FAR WESTERN END OF
THE BUILDING.
FEWER THAN 20 WOMEN MANAGED TO

THE BUILDING.
FEWER THAN 20 WOMEN MANAGED TO
GET OUT BEFORE THE RUSTED METAL

FEWER THAN 20 WOMEN MANAGED TO
GET OUT BEFORE THE RUSTED METAL
SUPPORTS GAVE WAY, SENDING

GET OUT BEFORE THE RUSTED METAL
SUPPORTS GAVE WAY, SENDING
SEVERAL WORKERS PLUNGING TO

SUPPORTS GAVE WAY, SENDING
SEVERAL WORKERS PLUNGING TO
THEIR DEATH AND CUTTING OFF THE

SEVERAL WORKERS PLUNGING TO
THEIR DEATH AND CUTTING OFF THE
LAST MEANS OF ESCAPE FOR ALL THE

THEIR DEATH AND CUTTING OFF THE
LAST MEANS OF ESCAPE FOR ALL THE
OTHERS.

LAST MEANS OF ESCAPE FOR ALL THE
OTHERS.
WITH A WALL OF FIRE ADVANCING ON

OTHERS.
WITH A WALL OF FIRE ADVANCING ON
THEM, THE TERRIFIED WOMEN MOVED

WITH A WALL OF FIRE ADVANCING ON
THEM, THE TERRIFIED WOMEN MOVED
TO THE OPEN WINDOWS.

THEM, THE TERRIFIED WOMEN MOVED
TO THE OPEN WINDOWS.
Reader: "THE GIRLS BEHIND US

TO THE OPEN WINDOWS.
Reader: "THE GIRLS BEHIND US
WERE SCREAMING AND CRYING.

Reader: "THE GIRLS BEHIND US
WERE SCREAMING AND CRYING.
SEVERAL OF THEM, AS THE FLAMES

WERE SCREAMING AND CRYING.
SEVERAL OF THEM, AS THE FLAMES
CREPT CLOSER, RAN INTO THE

SEVERAL OF THEM, AS THE FLAMES
CREPT CLOSER, RAN INTO THE
SMOKE, AND WE HEARD THEM SCREAM

CREPT CLOSER, RAN INTO THE
SMOKE, AND WE HEARD THEM SCREAM
AS THE FLAMES CAUGHT THEIR

SMOKE, AND WE HEARD THEM SCREAM
AS THE FLAMES CAUGHT THEIR
CLOTHES.

AS THE FLAMES CAUGHT THEIR
CLOTHES.
ONE LITTLE GIRL, WHO WORKED AT

CLOTHES.
ONE LITTLE GIRL, WHO WORKED AT
THE MACHINE OPPOSITE ME, CRIED

ONE LITTLE GIRL, WHO WORKED AT
THE MACHINE OPPOSITE ME, CRIED
OUT IN ITALIAN, 'GOOD-BYE,

THE MACHINE OPPOSITE ME, CRIED
OUT IN ITALIAN, 'GOOD-BYE,
GOOD-BYE.'"

OUT IN ITALIAN, 'GOOD-BYE,
GOOD-BYE.'"
TESSA BANANI.

GOOD-BYE.'"
TESSA BANANI.
Narrator: OUTSIDE ON THE

TESSA BANANI.
Narrator: OUTSIDE ON THE
STREET BELOW, A HUGE CROWD HAD

Narrator: OUTSIDE ON THE
STREET BELOW, A HUGE CROWD HAD
GATHERED.

STREET BELOW, A HUGE CROWD HAD
GATHERED.
THE NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD

GATHERED.
THE NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD
ARRIVED WITHIN MINUTES OF THE

THE NEW YORK FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD
ARRIVED WITHIN MINUTES OF THE
CALL, RUSHING 35 VEHICLES TO THE

ARRIVED WITHIN MINUTES OF THE
CALL, RUSHING 35 VEHICLES TO THE
SCENE, ALONG WITH THE MOST

CALL, RUSHING 35 VEHICLES TO THE
SCENE, ALONG WITH THE MOST
MODERN FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

SCENE, ALONG WITH THE MOST
MODERN FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
IN THE COUNTRY.

MODERN FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
IN THE COUNTRY.
BUT EVEN THE TALLEST LADDER

IN THE COUNTRY.
BUT EVEN THE TALLEST LADDER
COULD GO NO FARTHER THAN THE

BUT EVEN THE TALLEST LADDER
COULD GO NO FARTHER THAN THE
SIXTH FLOOR, TWO FULL STORIES

COULD GO NO FARTHER THAN THE
SIXTH FLOOR, TWO FULL STORIES
BELOW THE BURNING FACTORY

SIXTH FLOOR, TWO FULL STORIES
BELOW THE BURNING FACTORY
FLOORS, WHERE TONGUES OF FLAME

BELOW THE BURNING FACTORY
FLOORS, WHERE TONGUES OF FLAME
COULD ALREADY BE SEEN CURLING

FLOORS, WHERE TONGUES OF FLAME
COULD ALREADY BE SEEN CURLING
OUT OF THE WINDOWS.

COULD ALREADY BE SEEN CURLING
OUT OF THE WINDOWS.
Christine Stansell: THE FIRE,

OUT OF THE WINDOWS.
Christine Stansell: THE FIRE,
OF COURSE, LIKE ANY FIRE IN

Christine Stansell: THE FIRE,
OF COURSE, LIKE ANY FIRE IN
MANHATTAN, COULD BE SPOTTED FROM

OF COURSE, LIKE ANY FIRE IN
MANHATTAN, COULD BE SPOTTED FROM
BLOCKS AND BLOCKS AROUND BECAUSE

MANHATTAN, COULD BE SPOTTED FROM
BLOCKS AND BLOCKS AROUND BECAUSE
OF THE SMOKE, SO THERE WERE BIG

BLOCKS AND BLOCKS AROUND BECAUSE
OF THE SMOKE, SO THERE WERE BIG
CROWDS ON THE STREETS BELOW, AND

OF THE SMOKE, SO THERE WERE BIG
CROWDS ON THE STREETS BELOW, AND
THE FIRE HAD GONE ON LONG ENOUGH

CROWDS ON THE STREETS BELOW, AND
THE FIRE HAD GONE ON LONG ENOUGH
THAT PEOPLE HAD ALSO HEARD THE

THE FIRE HAD GONE ON LONG ENOUGH
THAT PEOPLE HAD ALSO HEARD THE
WORD DOWN ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE

THAT PEOPLE HAD ALSO HEARD THE
WORD DOWN ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE
AND HAD COME UP TO THE VILLAGE,

WORD DOWN ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE
AND HAD COME UP TO THE VILLAGE,
WAITING TO SEE WHAT WOULD

AND HAD COME UP TO THE VILLAGE,
WAITING TO SEE WHAT WOULD
HAPPEN.

AND THEN IT BECAME APPARENT IN
THIS HEART-GRIPPING MOMENT THAT

THIS HEART-GRIPPING MOMENT THAT
NO ONE COULD GET OUT EXCEPT IF

NO ONE COULD GET OUT EXCEPT IF
THEY JUMPED.
Narrator: AT 5:05, A LABORER

Narrator: AT 5:05, A LABORER
NAMED DOMINICK CARDIANE, PUSHING
HIS WHEELBARROW DOWN GREENE

NAMED DOMINICK CARDIANE, PUSHING
HIS WHEELBARROW DOWN GREENE
STREET, HEARD A MUFFLED

HIS WHEELBARROW DOWN GREENE
STREET, HEARD A MUFFLED
EXPLOSION, FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND

STREET, HEARD A MUFFLED
EXPLOSION, FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND
OF BREAKING GLASS.

EXPLOSION, FOLLOWED BY THE SOUND
OF BREAKING GLASS.
GLANCING UP, HE SAW WHAT HE

OF BREAKING GLASS.
GLANCING UP, HE SAW WHAT HE
THOUGHT WERE DARK BUNDLES OF

GLANCING UP, HE SAW WHAT HE
THOUGHT WERE DARK BUNDLES OF
CLOTHES SAILING FROM AN EIGHTH-

THOUGHT WERE DARK BUNDLES OF
CLOTHES SAILING FROM AN EIGHTH-
FLOOR WINDOW.

CLOTHES SAILING FROM AN EIGHTH-
FLOOR WINDOW.
Caro: YOU KNOW, YOU CAN

FLOOR WINDOW.
Caro: YOU KNOW, YOU CAN
HARDLY BELIEVE IT WHEN YOU READ

Caro: YOU KNOW, YOU CAN
HARDLY BELIEVE IT WHEN YOU READ
ABOUT IT.

I MEAN, IMAGINE, FROM THE
EIGHTH, NINTH, AND TENTH FLOORS

EIGHTH, NINTH, AND TENTH FLOORS
OF A BUILDING OVERLOOKING

OF A BUILDING OVERLOOKING
WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK, YOU

WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK, YOU
KNOW, FIRST THIS GREAT TONGUE OF

KNOW, FIRST THIS GREAT TONGUE OF
FLAME LEAPS OUT, YOU KNOW, AND

FLAME LEAPS OUT, YOU KNOW, AND
PASSERSBY... AND SOME POLICEMAN

PASSERSBY... AND SOME POLICEMAN
SAYS, "OH, IT WAS JUST A

SAYS, "OH, IT WAS JUST A
MOMENTARY ACCIDENT."
THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, ONE

THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN, ONE
PASSERBY SAID SOMETHING THAT
LOOKED LIKE A BALE OF OLD

PASSERBY SAID SOMETHING THAT
LOOKED LIKE A BALE OF OLD
CLOTHES COMES PLUMMETING DOWN

LOOKED LIKE A BALE OF OLD
CLOTHES COMES PLUMMETING DOWN
FROM THE EIGHTH FLOOR AND HITS

CLOTHES COMES PLUMMETING DOWN
FROM THE EIGHTH FLOOR AND HITS
WITH THIS THUD THAT SOMEHOW

FROM THE EIGHTH FLOOR AND HITS
WITH THIS THUD THAT SOMEHOW
SEEMED TOO LOUD FOR A BALE OF

WITH THIS THUD THAT SOMEHOW
SEEMED TOO LOUD FOR A BALE OF
CLOTHES ON THE SIDEWALK.

SEEMED TOO LOUD FOR A BALE OF
CLOTHES ON THE SIDEWALK.
AND SOMEONE SAID, "THEY MUST BE

CLOTHES ON THE SIDEWALK.
AND SOMEONE SAID, "THEY MUST BE
THROWING..."... AND IT WAS

AND SOMEONE SAID, "THEY MUST BE
THROWING..."... AND IT WAS
BURNING AS IT FELL... "THEY MUST

THROWING..."... AND IT WAS
BURNING AS IT FELL... "THEY MUST
BE THROWING OUT THE BURNING

BURNING AS IT FELL... "THEY MUST
BE THROWING OUT THE BURNING
BALES OF CLOTHES."

BE THROWING OUT THE BURNING
BALES OF CLOTHES."
AND THEN OTHER BODIES STARTED TO

BALES OF CLOTHES."
AND THEN OTHER BODIES STARTED TO
COME DOWN.

AND THEN OTHER BODIES STARTED TO
COME DOWN.
PEOPLE REALIZED THAT YOUNG GIRLS

COME DOWN.
PEOPLE REALIZED THAT YOUNG GIRLS
WOULD GO OUT ON THE LEDGE.

PEOPLE REALIZED THAT YOUNG GIRLS
WOULD GO OUT ON THE LEDGE.
THE FLAMES WOULD BE LOOMING UP

WOULD GO OUT ON THE LEDGE.
THE FLAMES WOULD BE LOOMING UP
BEHIND THEM, AND THEY'D JUMP, OF

THE FLAMES WOULD BE LOOMING UP
BEHIND THEM, AND THEY'D JUMP, OF
COURSE TO DIE.

BEHIND THEM, AND THEY'D JUMP, OF
COURSE TO DIE.
SOME WOULD TRY TO CLING TO THE

COURSE TO DIE.
SOME WOULD TRY TO CLING TO THE
LEDGE WITH THEIR FINGERTIPS, BUT

SOME WOULD TRY TO CLING TO THE
LEDGE WITH THEIR FINGERTIPS, BUT
THEY COULDN'T.

LEDGE WITH THEIR FINGERTIPS, BUT
THEY COULDN'T.
YOU HAVE PLUMMETING DOWN TO THE

THEY COULDN'T.
YOU HAVE PLUMMETING DOWN TO THE
STREET SCORES OF BURNING, DEAD

YOU HAVE PLUMMETING DOWN TO THE
STREET SCORES OF BURNING, DEAD
BODIES.

STREET SCORES OF BURNING, DEAD
BODIES.
Stansell: THERE WAS ALSO AN

BODIES.
Stansell: THERE WAS ALSO AN
IRON FENCE BELOW, SO SOME OF THE

Stansell: THERE WAS ALSO AN
IRON FENCE BELOW, SO SOME OF THE
YOUNG WOMEN, WHEN THEY JUMPED,

IRON FENCE BELOW, SO SOME OF THE
YOUNG WOMEN, WHEN THEY JUMPED,
WERE IMPALED ON THE IRON FENCE,

YOUNG WOMEN, WHEN THEY JUMPED,
WERE IMPALED ON THE IRON FENCE,
AND PEOPLE WHO SAW IT SAID THAT

WERE IMPALED ON THE IRON FENCE,
AND PEOPLE WHO SAW IT SAID THAT
THEY NEVER FORGOT IT; THAT IT

AND PEOPLE WHO SAW IT SAID THAT
THEY NEVER FORGOT IT; THAT IT
WAS A SIGHT THAT BURNED ITSELF

THEY NEVER FORGOT IT; THAT IT
WAS A SIGHT THAT BURNED ITSELF
ON THE RETINA OF THE WATCHERS.

WAS A SIGHT THAT BURNED ITSELF
ON THE RETINA OF THE WATCHERS.
Narrator: WILLIAM SHEPHERD,

ON THE RETINA OF THE WATCHERS.
Narrator: WILLIAM SHEPHERD,
A REPORTER FOR THE UNITED PRESS,

Narrator: WILLIAM SHEPHERD,
A REPORTER FOR THE UNITED PRESS,
CALLED THE STORY IN AS HE

A REPORTER FOR THE UNITED PRESS,
CALLED THE STORY IN AS HE
WATCHED FROM A PAY PHONE ACROSS

CALLED THE STORY IN AS HE
WATCHED FROM A PAY PHONE ACROSS
THE STREET.

WATCHED FROM A PAY PHONE ACROSS
THE STREET.
Reader: "I LEARNED A NEW

THE STREET.
Reader: "I LEARNED A NEW
SOUND, A MORE HORRIBLE SOUND

Reader: "I LEARNED A NEW
SOUND, A MORE HORRIBLE SOUND
THAN DESCRIPTION CAN PICTURE.

SOUND, A MORE HORRIBLE SOUND
THAN DESCRIPTION CAN PICTURE.
IT WAS THE THUD OF A SPEEDING,

THAN DESCRIPTION CAN PICTURE.
IT WAS THE THUD OF A SPEEDING,
LIVING BODY ON A STONE SIDEWALK.

IT WAS THE THUD OF A SPEEDING,
LIVING BODY ON A STONE SIDEWALK.
THUD.

LIVING BODY ON A STONE SIDEWALK.
THUD.
DEAD.

THUD.
DEAD.
THUD.

DEAD.
THUD.
DEAD.

THUD.
DEAD.
THUD.

DEAD.
THUD.
DEAD.

THUD.
DEAD.
THUD.

DEAD.
THUD.
DEAD.

THUD.
DEAD.
THERE WAS PLENTY OF CHANCE TO

DEAD.
THERE WAS PLENTY OF CHANCE TO
WATCH THEM AS THEY CAME DOWN.

THERE WAS PLENTY OF CHANCE TO
WATCH THEM AS THEY CAME DOWN.
THE HEIGHT WAS 80 FEET.

WATCH THEM AS THEY CAME DOWN.
THE HEIGHT WAS 80 FEET.
THE FIRST TEN 'THUDS, DEADS'

THE HEIGHT WAS 80 FEET.
THE FIRST TEN 'THUDS, DEADS'
SHOCKED ME.

THE FIRST TEN 'THUDS, DEADS'
SHOCKED ME.
I LOOKED UP, SAW THAT THERE WERE

SHOCKED ME.
I LOOKED UP, SAW THAT THERE WERE
SCORES OF GIRLS AT THE WINDOWS.

I LOOKED UP, SAW THAT THERE WERE
SCORES OF GIRLS AT THE WINDOWS.
THE FLAMES FROM THE FLOOR BELOW

SCORES OF GIRLS AT THE WINDOWS.
THE FLAMES FROM THE FLOOR BELOW
WERE BEATING IN THEIR FACES.

THE FLAMES FROM THE FLOOR BELOW
WERE BEATING IN THEIR FACES.
SOMEHOW I KNEW THAT THEY, TOO,

WERE BEATING IN THEIR FACES.
SOMEHOW I KNEW THAT THEY, TOO,
MUST COME DOWN.

SOMEHOW I KNEW THAT THEY, TOO,
MUST COME DOWN.
I EVEN WATCHED ONE GIRL FALLING,

MUST COME DOWN.
I EVEN WATCHED ONE GIRL FALLING,
WAVING HER ARMS, TRYING TO KEEP

I EVEN WATCHED ONE GIRL FALLING,
WAVING HER ARMS, TRYING TO KEEP
HER BODY UPRIGHT UNTIL THE VERY

WAVING HER ARMS, TRYING TO KEEP
HER BODY UPRIGHT UNTIL THE VERY
INSTANT SHE STRUCK THE SIDEWALK.

HER BODY UPRIGHT UNTIL THE VERY
INSTANT SHE STRUCK THE SIDEWALK.
THEN CAME THE THUD, THEN A

INSTANT SHE STRUCK THE SIDEWALK.
THEN CAME THE THUD, THEN A
SILENT, UNMOVING PILE OF

THEN CAME THE THUD, THEN A
SILENT, UNMOVING PILE OF
CLOTHING AND TWISTED, BROKEN

SILENT, UNMOVING PILE OF
CLOTHING AND TWISTED, BROKEN
LIMBS."

CLOTHING AND TWISTED, BROKEN
LIMBS."
WILLIAM SHEPHERD.

LIMBS."
WILLIAM SHEPHERD.
Narrator: BY NOW, DOZENS OF

WILLIAM SHEPHERD.
Narrator: BY NOW, DOZENS OF
WOMEN AT A TIME COULD BE SEEN

Narrator: BY NOW, DOZENS OF
WOMEN AT A TIME COULD BE SEEN
STANDING AT THE EIGHTH- AND

WOMEN AT A TIME COULD BE SEEN
STANDING AT THE EIGHTH- AND
NINTH-FLOOR WINDOWS, ALL BUT

STANDING AT THE EIGHTH- AND
NINTH-FLOOR WINDOWS, ALL BUT
ENGULFED BY THE INFERNO.

NINTH-FLOOR WINDOWS, ALL BUT
ENGULFED BY THE INFERNO.
AS THOSE BELOW WATCHED IN

ENGULFED BY THE INFERNO.
AS THOSE BELOW WATCHED IN
HORROR, GROUPS OF WOMEN, THREE

AS THOSE BELOW WATCHED IN
HORROR, GROUPS OF WOMEN, THREE
AND FOUR AT A TIME, GRABBED EACH

HORROR, GROUPS OF WOMEN, THREE
AND FOUR AT A TIME, GRABBED EACH
OTHER BY THE HAND, CLOSED THEIR

AND FOUR AT A TIME, GRABBED EACH
OTHER BY THE HAND, CLOSED THEIR
EYES, AND PLUNGED OFF THE

OTHER BY THE HAND, CLOSED THEIR
EYES, AND PLUNGED OFF THE
BUILDING.

EYES, AND PLUNGED OFF THE
BUILDING.
"THEY HIT THE PAVEMENT JUST LIKE

BUILDING.
"THEY HIT THE PAVEMENT JUST LIKE
RAIN," A STUNNED FIRE CHIEF

"THEY HIT THE PAVEMENT JUST LIKE
RAIN," A STUNNED FIRE CHIEF
NAMED EDWARD WORTH LATER

RAIN," A STUNNED FIRE CHIEF
NAMED EDWARD WORTH LATER
TESTIFIED.

NAMED EDWARD WORTH LATER
TESTIFIED.
FRANCES PERKINS, A 31-YEAR-OLD

TESTIFIED.
FRANCES PERKINS, A 31-YEAR-OLD
ADVOCATE WITH THE CONSUMERS

FRANCES PERKINS, A 31-YEAR-OLD
ADVOCATE WITH THE CONSUMERS
LEAGUE, STOOD WITH HER HAND AT

ADVOCATE WITH THE CONSUMERS
LEAGUE, STOOD WITH HER HAND AT
HER THROAT, HELPLESS TO STOP THE

LEAGUE, STOOD WITH HER HAND AT
HER THROAT, HELPLESS TO STOP THE
UNFOLDING TRAGEDY.

HER THROAT, HELPLESS TO STOP THE
UNFOLDING TRAGEDY.
Reader: "THE NETS WERE

UNFOLDING TRAGEDY.
Reader: "THE NETS WERE
BROKEN.

Reader: "THE NETS WERE
BROKEN.
THE FIREMEN KEPT SHOUTING FOR

BROKEN.
THE FIREMEN KEPT SHOUTING FOR
THEM NOT TO JUMP, BUT THEY HAD

THE FIREMEN KEPT SHOUTING FOR
THEM NOT TO JUMP, BUT THEY HAD
NO CHOICE.

THEM NOT TO JUMP, BUT THEY HAD
NO CHOICE.
THE FLAMES WERE RIGHT BEHIND

NO CHOICE.
THE FLAMES WERE RIGHT BEHIND
THEM, FOR BY THIS TIME, THE FIRE

THE FLAMES WERE RIGHT BEHIND
THEM, FOR BY THIS TIME, THE FIRE
WAS FAR GONE."

THEM, FOR BY THIS TIME, THE FIRE
WAS FAR GONE."
FRANCES PERKINS.

WAS FAR GONE."
FRANCES PERKINS.
Narrator: BY 5:15, THE SCENE

FRANCES PERKINS.
Narrator: BY 5:15, THE SCENE
ON THE STREET WAS OF BEDLAM AS

Narrator: BY 5:15, THE SCENE
ON THE STREET WAS OF BEDLAM AS
THOUSANDS OF WORKERS POURED OUT

ON THE STREET WAS OF BEDLAM AS
THOUSANDS OF WORKERS POURED OUT
OF NEARBY FACTORIES AND PRESSED

THOUSANDS OF WORKERS POURED OUT
OF NEARBY FACTORIES AND PRESSED
AGAINST THE BARRICADES.

OF NEARBY FACTORIES AND PRESSED
AGAINST THE BARRICADES.
FIRE-ENGINE HORSES REARED AT THE

AGAINST THE BARRICADES.
FIRE-ENGINE HORSES REARED AT THE
STRONG SMELL OF BLOOD, WHILE

FIRE-ENGINE HORSES REARED AT THE
STRONG SMELL OF BLOOD, WHILE
POLICE TRIED WITHOUT SUCCESS TO

STRONG SMELL OF BLOOD, WHILE
POLICE TRIED WITHOUT SUCCESS TO
CONTROL THE CROWD.

POLICE TRIED WITHOUT SUCCESS TO
CONTROL THE CROWD.
Reader: "THE FLOODS OF WATER

CONTROL THE CROWD.
Reader: "THE FLOODS OF WATER
FROM THE FIREMEN'S HOSE THAT RAN

Reader: "THE FLOODS OF WATER
FROM THE FIREMEN'S HOSE THAT RAN
INTO THE GUTTER WERE ACTUALLY

FROM THE FIREMEN'S HOSE THAT RAN
INTO THE GUTTER WERE ACTUALLY
STAINED RED WITH BLOOD.

INTO THE GUTTER WERE ACTUALLY
STAINED RED WITH BLOOD.
I LOOKED UPON THE HEAP OF DEAD

STAINED RED WITH BLOOD.
I LOOKED UPON THE HEAP OF DEAD
BODIES, AND I REMEMBERED THESE

I LOOKED UPON THE HEAP OF DEAD
BODIES, AND I REMEMBERED THESE
GIRLS WERE SHIRTWAIST MAKERS.

BODIES, AND I REMEMBERED THESE
GIRLS WERE SHIRTWAIST MAKERS.
I REMEMBERED THEIR GREAT STRIKE

GIRLS WERE SHIRTWAIST MAKERS.
I REMEMBERED THEIR GREAT STRIKE
OF LAST YEAR IN WHICH THESE SAME

I REMEMBERED THEIR GREAT STRIKE
OF LAST YEAR IN WHICH THESE SAME
GIRLS HAD DEMANDED MORE SANITARY

OF LAST YEAR IN WHICH THESE SAME
GIRLS HAD DEMANDED MORE SANITARY
CONDITIONS AND MORE SAFETY

GIRLS HAD DEMANDED MORE SANITARY
CONDITIONS AND MORE SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS IN THESE SHOPS.

CONDITIONS AND MORE SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS IN THESE SHOPS.
THESE DEAD BODIES WERE THE

PRECAUTIONS IN THESE SHOPS.
THESE DEAD BODIES WERE THE
ANSWER."

THESE DEAD BODIES WERE THE
ANSWER."
Narrator: IT WAS OVER IN LESS

ANSWER."
Narrator: IT WAS OVER IN LESS
THAN HALF AN HOUR.

Narrator: IT WAS OVER IN LESS
THAN HALF AN HOUR.
FIREMEN INSPECTING THE BURNED

THAN HALF AN HOUR.
FIREMEN INSPECTING THE BURNED
FLOORS THE NEXT DAY FOUND DOZENS

FIREMEN INSPECTING THE BURNED
FLOORS THE NEXT DAY FOUND DOZENS
OF BODIES, CHARRED, HEADLESS

FLOORS THE NEXT DAY FOUND DOZENS
OF BODIES, CHARRED, HEADLESS
TRUNKS, SOME STILL BENT OVER THE

OF BODIES, CHARRED, HEADLESS
TRUNKS, SOME STILL BENT OVER THE
SEWING MACHINES.

TRUNKS, SOME STILL BENT OVER THE
SEWING MACHINES.
AMONG THE REMAINS, THE

SEWING MACHINES.
AMONG THE REMAINS, THE
INSPECTORS FOUND 11 ENGAGEMENT

AMONG THE REMAINS, THE
INSPECTORS FOUND 11 ENGAGEMENT
RINGS.

INSPECTORS FOUND 11 ENGAGEMENT
RINGS.
IN ALL, 146 PEOPLE... TEENAGERS

RINGS.
IN ALL, 146 PEOPLE... TEENAGERS
FOR THE MOST PART, IMMIGRANT

IN ALL, 146 PEOPLE... TEENAGERS
FOR THE MOST PART, IMMIGRANT
GIRLS, SOME AS YOUNG AS 14... HAD

FOR THE MOST PART, IMMIGRANT
GIRLS, SOME AS YOUNG AS 14... HAD
DIED IN THE GREATEST INDUSTRIAL

GIRLS, SOME AS YOUNG AS 14... HAD
DIED IN THE GREATEST INDUSTRIAL
DISASTER IN THE CITY'S HISTORY.

DIED IN THE GREATEST INDUSTRIAL
DISASTER IN THE CITY'S HISTORY.
Caro: SOME DIED OF SMOKE

DISASTER IN THE CITY'S HISTORY.
Caro: SOME DIED OF SMOKE
INHALATION, PILED AGAINST THE

Caro: SOME DIED OF SMOKE
INHALATION, PILED AGAINST THE
DOORS TO GET OUT.

INHALATION, PILED AGAINST THE
DOORS TO GET OUT.
SOME WERE BURNED TO DEATH, AND

DOORS TO GET OUT.
SOME WERE BURNED TO DEATH, AND
SOME JUMPED OUT OF THE WINDOW.

SOME WERE BURNED TO DEATH, AND
SOME JUMPED OUT OF THE WINDOW.
SOMETHING LIKE 141 YOUNG WOMEN

SOME JUMPED OUT OF THE WINDOW.
SOMETHING LIKE 141 YOUNG WOMEN
DIED.

SOMETHING LIKE 141 YOUNG WOMEN
DIED.
AND OF COURSE WHEN THE FIREMEN

DIED.
AND OF COURSE WHEN THE FIREMEN
FINALLY ENTER THAT BUILDING, THE

AND OF COURSE WHEN THE FIREMEN
FINALLY ENTER THAT BUILDING, THE
DEAD BODIES ARE HEAPED UP

FINALLY ENTER THAT BUILDING, THE
DEAD BODIES ARE HEAPED UP
AGAINST THE DOORS BECAUSE THERE

DEAD BODIES ARE HEAPED UP
AGAINST THE DOORS BECAUSE THERE
WERE NO FIRE EXITS; THERE WERE

AGAINST THE DOORS BECAUSE THERE
WERE NO FIRE EXITS; THERE WERE
NO SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.

WERE NO FIRE EXITS; THERE WERE
NO SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
Reader: "MARCH 26, 1911.

NO SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.
Reader: "MARCH 26, 1911.
THE REMAINS OF THE DEAD... IT IS

Reader: "MARCH 26, 1911.
THE REMAINS OF THE DEAD... IT IS
HARDLY POSSIBLE TO CALL THEM

THE REMAINS OF THE DEAD... IT IS
HARDLY POSSIBLE TO CALL THEM
BODIES, BECAUSE THAT WORD WOULD

HARDLY POSSIBLE TO CALL THEM
BODIES, BECAUSE THAT WORD WOULD
SUGGEST SOMETHING HUMAN, AND

BODIES, BECAUSE THAT WORD WOULD
SUGGEST SOMETHING HUMAN, AND
THERE WAS NOTHING HUMAN ABOUT

SUGGEST SOMETHING HUMAN, AND
THERE WAS NOTHING HUMAN ABOUT
MOST OF THESE... WERE TAKEN IN A

THERE WAS NOTHING HUMAN ABOUT
MOST OF THESE... WERE TAKEN IN A
STEADY STREAM TO THE MORGUE FOR

MOST OF THESE... WERE TAKEN IN A
STEADY STREAM TO THE MORGUE FOR
IDENTIFICATION."

STEADY STREAM TO THE MORGUE FOR
IDENTIFICATION."
THE NEW YORK TIMES.

IDENTIFICATION."
THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Narrator: AT A TEMPORARY

THE NEW YORK TIMES.
Narrator: AT A TEMPORARY
MORGUE SET UP ON A PIER ALONG

Narrator: AT A TEMPORARY
MORGUE SET UP ON A PIER ALONG
THE EAST RIVER, RELATIVES LINED

MORGUE SET UP ON A PIER ALONG
THE EAST RIVER, RELATIVES LINED
UP TO IDENTIFY THE CORPSES.

THE EAST RIVER, RELATIVES LINED
UP TO IDENTIFY THE CORPSES.
THE GHASTLY PROCESS TOOK THREE

UP TO IDENTIFY THE CORPSES.
THE GHASTLY PROCESS TOOK THREE
FULL DAYS.

THE GHASTLY PROCESS TOOK THREE
FULL DAYS.
SEVEN BODIES WERE SO BADLY

FULL DAYS.
SEVEN BODIES WERE SO BADLY
BURNED THEY COULD NOT BE

SEVEN BODIES WERE SO BADLY
BURNED THEY COULD NOT BE
IDENTIFIED, AND ON APRIL 5,

BURNED THEY COULD NOT BE
IDENTIFIED, AND ON APRIL 5,
1911, A MASS FUNERAL WAS HELD

IDENTIFIED, AND ON APRIL 5,
1911, A MASS FUNERAL WAS HELD
FOR THE UNKNOWN VICTIMS.

1911, A MASS FUNERAL WAS HELD
FOR THE UNKNOWN VICTIMS.
120,000 WORKING PEOPLE JOINED IN

FOR THE UNKNOWN VICTIMS.
120,000 WORKING PEOPLE JOINED IN
THE PROCESSION, DESPITE A HEAVY

120,000 WORKING PEOPLE JOINED IN
THE PROCESSION, DESPITE A HEAVY
RAIN, WHILE 400,000 MORE WATCHED

THE PROCESSION, DESPITE A HEAVY
RAIN, WHILE 400,000 MORE WATCHED
SILENTLY FROM THE SIDEWALK.

RAIN, WHILE 400,000 MORE WATCHED
SILENTLY FROM THE SIDEWALK.
Reader: "A MASS EMOTION OF

SILENTLY FROM THE SIDEWALK.
Reader: "A MASS EMOTION OF
SORROW AND DESPAIR WAS FELT

Reader: "A MASS EMOTION OF
SORROW AND DESPAIR WAS FELT
EVERYWHERE THAT DAY.

SORROW AND DESPAIR WAS FELT
EVERYWHERE THAT DAY.
BUT IN THE WEEKS THAT FOLLOWED,

EVERYWHERE THAT DAY.
BUT IN THE WEEKS THAT FOLLOWED,
THESE EMOTIONS GAVE WAY TO ANGRY

BUT IN THE WEEKS THAT FOLLOWED,
THESE EMOTIONS GAVE WAY TO ANGRY
QUESTIONING AND A DETERMINATION

THESE EMOTIONS GAVE WAY TO ANGRY
QUESTIONING AND A DETERMINATION
THAT A SIMILAR TRAGEDY MUST

QUESTIONING AND A DETERMINATION
THAT A SIMILAR TRAGEDY MUST
NEVER TAKE PLACE IN NEW YORK

THAT A SIMILAR TRAGEDY MUST
NEVER TAKE PLACE IN NEW YORK
AGAIN."

NEVER TAKE PLACE IN NEW YORK
AGAIN."
Narrator: A FEW MONTHS LATER,

AGAIN."
Narrator: A FEW MONTHS LATER,
THE OWNERS OF THE TRIANGLE

Narrator: A FEW MONTHS LATER,
THE OWNERS OF THE TRIANGLE
FACTORY, ISAAC HARRIS AND MAX

THE OWNERS OF THE TRIANGLE
FACTORY, ISAAC HARRIS AND MAX
BLANCK, WERE TRIED FOR

FACTORY, ISAAC HARRIS AND MAX
BLANCK, WERE TRIED FOR
MANSLAUGHTER, HAVING LOCKED

BLANCK, WERE TRIED FOR
MANSLAUGHTER, HAVING LOCKED
THEIR WORKERS IN.

MANSLAUGHTER, HAVING LOCKED
THEIR WORKERS IN.
BUT TO THE SHOCKED DISBELIEF OF

THEIR WORKERS IN.
BUT TO THE SHOCKED DISBELIEF OF
THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES AND OF

BUT TO THE SHOCKED DISBELIEF OF
THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES AND OF
MOST NEW YORKERS, THE TWO MEN

THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES AND OF
MOST NEW YORKERS, THE TWO MEN
WERE ACQUITTED WHEN THE

MOST NEW YORKERS, THE TWO MEN
WERE ACQUITTED WHEN THE
PROSECUTION WAS UNABLE TO PROVE

WERE ACQUITTED WHEN THE
PROSECUTION WAS UNABLE TO PROVE
THAT THEY HAD ACTUALLY KNOWN

PROSECUTION WAS UNABLE TO PROVE
THAT THEY HAD ACTUALLY KNOWN
THAT THE EXIT DOOR WAS LOCKED AT

THAT THEY HAD ACTUALLY KNOWN
THAT THE EXIT DOOR WAS LOCKED AT
THE EXACT TIME OF THE FIRE.

THAT THE EXIT DOOR WAS LOCKED AT
THE EXACT TIME OF THE FIRE.
Abram: THERE WAS A TRIAL, AND

THE EXACT TIME OF THE FIRE.
Abram: THERE WAS A TRIAL, AND
THE TRIAL FOUND THAT THE OWNERS

Abram: THERE WAS A TRIAL, AND
THE TRIAL FOUND THAT THE OWNERS
WERE NOT GUILTY, FOR THEY HAD

THE TRIAL FOUND THAT THE OWNERS
WERE NOT GUILTY, FOR THEY HAD
BROKEN NO LAW.

WERE NOT GUILTY, FOR THEY HAD
BROKEN NO LAW.
YES, THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN

BROKEN NO LAW.
YES, THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN
VERY NICE TO HAVE LOCKED IN

YES, THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN
VERY NICE TO HAVE LOCKED IN
THESE YOUNG WOMEN, BUT THERE WAS

VERY NICE TO HAVE LOCKED IN
THESE YOUNG WOMEN, BUT THERE WAS
NO LAW, AND SO THERE WAS NO

THESE YOUNG WOMEN, BUT THERE WAS
NO LAW, AND SO THERE WAS NO
REPERCUSSION.

NO LAW, AND SO THERE WAS NO
REPERCUSSION.
Narrator: WITHIN WEEKS, THE

REPERCUSSION.
Narrator: WITHIN WEEKS, THE
TRIANGLE FACTORY HAD REOPENED IN

Narrator: WITHIN WEEKS, THE
TRIANGLE FACTORY HAD REOPENED IN
A NEARBY BUILDING.

TRIANGLE FACTORY HAD REOPENED IN
A NEARBY BUILDING.
VISITING THE NEW PLANT, FIRE

A NEARBY BUILDING.
VISITING THE NEW PLANT, FIRE
INSPECTORS FOUND THE EXIT DOOR

VISITING THE NEW PLANT, FIRE
INSPECTORS FOUND THE EXIT DOOR
BLOCKED BY ROWS OF SEWING

INSPECTORS FOUND THE EXIT DOOR
BLOCKED BY ROWS OF SEWING
MACHINES.

BLOCKED BY ROWS OF SEWING
MACHINES.
BUT NOW, SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY

MACHINES.
BUT NOW, SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY
BEGAN TO OCCUR.

BUT NOW, SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY
BEGAN TO OCCUR.
FROM THE ASHES OF THE TRIANGLE

BEGAN TO OCCUR.
FROM THE ASHES OF THE TRIANGLE
SHIRTWAIST FACTORY FIRE WOULD

FROM THE ASHES OF THE TRIANGLE
SHIRTWAIST FACTORY FIRE WOULD
BEGIN TO ARISE ONE OF THE MOST

SHIRTWAIST FACTORY FIRE WOULD
BEGIN TO ARISE ONE OF THE MOST
DRAMATIC AND FAR-REACHING

BEGIN TO ARISE ONE OF THE MOST
DRAMATIC AND FAR-REACHING
POLITICAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN

DRAMATIC AND FAR-REACHING
POLITICAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN
AMERICAN HISTORY.

POLITICAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN
AMERICAN HISTORY.
Caro: IT WAS A KIND OF A

AMERICAN HISTORY.
Caro: IT WAS A KIND OF A
MOMENT THAT THE CITY COULD NO

Caro: IT WAS A KIND OF A
MOMENT THAT THE CITY COULD NO
LONGER IGNORE THE REALITY THAT

MOMENT THAT THE CITY COULD NO
LONGER IGNORE THE REALITY THAT
HAD BEEN WITH THE CITY FOR

LONGER IGNORE THE REALITY THAT
HAD BEEN WITH THE CITY FOR
DECADES OF WHAT A SWEATSHOP WAS.

HAD BEEN WITH THE CITY FOR
DECADES OF WHAT A SWEATSHOP WAS.
THE WHOLE CITY FELT INVOLVED IN

DECADES OF WHAT A SWEATSHOP WAS.
THE WHOLE CITY FELT INVOLVED IN
THOSE BODIES THAT WERE THUDDING

THE WHOLE CITY FELT INVOLVED IN
THOSE BODIES THAT WERE THUDDING
TO THE PAVEMENT.

THOSE BODIES THAT WERE THUDDING
TO THE PAVEMENT.
YOU COULDN'T SAY, "THEY DON'T

TO THE PAVEMENT.
YOU COULDN'T SAY, "THEY DON'T
RELATE TO US."

YOU COULDN'T SAY, "THEY DON'T
RELATE TO US."
THE IMPACT OF THIS ONE FIRE, THE

RELATE TO US."
THE IMPACT OF THIS ONE FIRE, THE
HORROR OF THE BODIES, THE NUMBER

THE IMPACT OF THIS ONE FIRE, THE
HORROR OF THE BODIES, THE NUMBER
OF THE DEAD, HAD AN IMPACT THAT

HORROR OF THE BODIES, THE NUMBER
OF THE DEAD, HAD AN IMPACT THAT
TRANSFORMED... IT WAS A TURNING

OF THE DEAD, HAD AN IMPACT THAT
TRANSFORMED... IT WAS A TURNING
POINT IN THE FIGHT FOR SOCIAL

TRANSFORMED... IT WAS A TURNING
POINT IN THE FIGHT FOR SOCIAL
WELFARE LEGISLATION IN NEW YORK.

POINT IN THE FIGHT FOR SOCIAL
WELFARE LEGISLATION IN NEW YORK.
Wallace: THE TRIANGLE FIRE

WELFARE LEGISLATION IN NEW YORK.
Wallace: THE TRIANGLE FIRE
CATASTROPHE, IT'S AN EPIC EVENT

Wallace: THE TRIANGLE FIRE
CATASTROPHE, IT'S AN EPIC EVENT
IN THE DYNAMICS OF THE CITY'S

CATASTROPHE, IT'S AN EPIC EVENT
IN THE DYNAMICS OF THE CITY'S
POLITICS AND ECONOMY AND

IN THE DYNAMICS OF THE CITY'S
POLITICS AND ECONOMY AND
EVERYTHING ELSE.

POLITICS AND ECONOMY AND
EVERYTHING ELSE.
IN THE IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH, WHAT

EVERYTHING ELSE.
IN THE IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH, WHAT
HAPPENS IS A MASS MEETING OF

IN THE IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH, WHAT
HAPPENS IS A MASS MEETING OF
CONCERNED CITIZENS.

HAPPENS IS A MASS MEETING OF
CONCERNED CITIZENS.
A LOT OF OFFICIALS IN BUSINESS

CONCERNED CITIZENS.
A LOT OF OFFICIALS IN BUSINESS
PUT TOGETHER AN OPERATION AND GO

A LOT OF OFFICIALS IN BUSINESS
PUT TOGETHER AN OPERATION AND GO
UP TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND

PUT TOGETHER AN OPERATION AND GO
UP TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND
SAY, "YOU'VE GOT TO DO SOMETHING

UP TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE AND
SAY, "YOU'VE GOT TO DO SOMETHING
ABOUT THIS.

SAY, "YOU'VE GOT TO DO SOMETHING
ABOUT THIS.
WE NEED REFORM LEGISLATION TO

ABOUT THIS.
WE NEED REFORM LEGISLATION TO
POLICE THE WORKPLACE AND MAKE

WE NEED REFORM LEGISLATION TO
POLICE THE WORKPLACE AND MAKE
SURE NOTHING LIKE THIS EVER

POLICE THE WORKPLACE AND MAKE
SURE NOTHING LIKE THIS EVER
HAPPENS AGAIN."

SURE NOTHING LIKE THIS EVER
HAPPENS AGAIN."
Narrator: THE KEY TO CHANGE

HAPPENS AGAIN."
Narrator: THE KEY TO CHANGE
LAY WITH THE NEW YORK STATE

Narrator: THE KEY TO CHANGE
LAY WITH THE NEW YORK STATE
LEGISLATURE.

LAY WITH THE NEW YORK STATE
LEGISLATURE.
THE KEY TO THE LEGISLATURE,

LEGISLATURE.
THE KEY TO THE LEGISLATURE,
HOWEVER, LAY IN THE POCKET OF

THE KEY TO THE LEGISLATURE,
HOWEVER, LAY IN THE POCKET OF
SILENT CHARLIE MURPHY, THE

HOWEVER, LAY IN THE POCKET OF
SILENT CHARLIE MURPHY, THE
INSCRUTABLE, TACITURN BOSS OF

SILENT CHARLIE MURPHY, THE
INSCRUTABLE, TACITURN BOSS OF
TAMMANY HALL, AND THE LAST MAN

INSCRUTABLE, TACITURN BOSS OF
TAMMANY HALL, AND THE LAST MAN
IN NEW YORK FROM WHOM REFORMERS

TAMMANY HALL, AND THE LAST MAN
IN NEW YORK FROM WHOM REFORMERS
COULD EXPECT ANY HELP.

IN NEW YORK FROM WHOM REFORMERS
COULD EXPECT ANY HELP.
BUT THE REFORMERS WERE WRONG.

COULD EXPECT ANY HELP.
BUT THE REFORMERS WERE WRONG.
Czitrom: SILENT CHARLIE WAS

BUT THE REFORMERS WERE WRONG.
Czitrom: SILENT CHARLIE WAS
AN EXTREMELY SHREWD POLITICIAN,

Czitrom: SILENT CHARLIE WAS
AN EXTREMELY SHREWD POLITICIAN,
AND HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE

AN EXTREMELY SHREWD POLITICIAN,
AND HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE
DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE CITY WERE

AND HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE
DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE CITY WERE
CHANGING; THAT YOU COULDN'T

DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE CITY WERE
CHANGING; THAT YOU COULDN'T
SIMPLY WIN BY APPEALING TO THE

CHANGING; THAT YOU COULDN'T
SIMPLY WIN BY APPEALING TO THE
IRISH VOTE; THAT YOU HAD TO MAKE

SIMPLY WIN BY APPEALING TO THE
IRISH VOTE; THAT YOU HAD TO MAKE
SOME ATTEMPT TO DRAW IN JEWS,

IRISH VOTE; THAT YOU HAD TO MAKE
SOME ATTEMPT TO DRAW IN JEWS,
ITALIANS, OTHER NEW IMMIGRANTS;

SOME ATTEMPT TO DRAW IN JEWS,
ITALIANS, OTHER NEW IMMIGRANTS;
THAT YOU HAD TO WORRY ABOUT

ITALIANS, OTHER NEW IMMIGRANTS;
THAT YOU HAD TO WORRY ABOUT
COMPETING POLITICIANS,

THAT YOU HAD TO WORRY ABOUT
COMPETING POLITICIANS,
PARTICULARLY SOCIALIST PARTY AND

COMPETING POLITICIANS,
PARTICULARLY SOCIALIST PARTY AND
ALSO PROGRESSIVE REPUBLICANS;

PARTICULARLY SOCIALIST PARTY AND
ALSO PROGRESSIVE REPUBLICANS;
THAT YOU HAD ALL THESE PEOPLE

ALSO PROGRESSIVE REPUBLICANS;
THAT YOU HAD ALL THESE PEOPLE
NOW IN SETTLEMENT HOUSES, AND

THAT YOU HAD ALL THESE PEOPLE
NOW IN SETTLEMENT HOUSES, AND
PROGRESSIVE REFORMERS WHO ARE

NOW IN SETTLEMENT HOUSES, AND
PROGRESSIVE REFORMERS WHO ARE
ALSO A PART OF THE POLITICAL

PROGRESSIVE REFORMERS WHO ARE
ALSO A PART OF THE POLITICAL
SCENE.

ALSO A PART OF THE POLITICAL
SCENE.
AND I THINK THAT WHAT MURPHY

SCENE.
AND I THINK THAT WHAT MURPHY
UNDERSTOOD WAS THAT SOMEHOW,

AND I THINK THAT WHAT MURPHY
UNDERSTOOD WAS THAT SOMEHOW,
TAMMANY HAD TO ADAPT TO THE NEW

UNDERSTOOD WAS THAT SOMEHOW,
TAMMANY HAD TO ADAPT TO THE NEW
REALITIES OF THE CITY, THE NEW

TAMMANY HAD TO ADAPT TO THE NEW
REALITIES OF THE CITY, THE NEW
POLITICAL REALITIES.

REALITIES OF THE CITY, THE NEW
POLITICAL REALITIES.
Narrator: TO THE AMAZEMENT OF

POLITICAL REALITIES.
Narrator: TO THE AMAZEMENT OF
THE REFORMERS, WHOSE EFFORTS HAD

Narrator: TO THE AMAZEMENT OF
THE REFORMERS, WHOSE EFFORTS HAD
BEEN STYMIED BY TAMMANY AT EVERY

THE REFORMERS, WHOSE EFFORTS HAD
BEEN STYMIED BY TAMMANY AT EVERY
TURN, MURPHY SUPPORTED THE CALL

BEEN STYMIED BY TAMMANY AT EVERY
TURN, MURPHY SUPPORTED THE CALL
FOR AN INVESTIGATION, THEN

TURN, MURPHY SUPPORTED THE CALL
FOR AN INVESTIGATION, THEN
PLACED TWO OF HIS CLOSEST

FOR AN INVESTIGATION, THEN
PLACED TWO OF HIS CLOSEST
ROBERT F.

PLACED TWO OF HIS CLOSEST
ROBERT F.
WAGNER, SR., THE LEADER OF THE

ROBERT F.
WAGNER, SR., THE LEADER OF THE
STATE SENATE, AND 38-YEAR-OLD AL

WAGNER, SR., THE LEADER OF THE
STATE SENATE, AND 38-YEAR-OLD AL
SMITH, NOW HEAD OF THE STATE

STATE SENATE, AND 38-YEAR-OLD AL
SMITH, NOW HEAD OF THE STATE
ASSEMBLY.

SMITH, NOW HEAD OF THE STATE
ASSEMBLY.
THE GRUELING FOUR-YEAR-LONG

ASSEMBLY.
THE GRUELING FOUR-YEAR-LONG
FACTORY INVESTIGATION THAT

THE GRUELING FOUR-YEAR-LONG
FACTORY INVESTIGATION THAT
ENSUED WOULD MAKE SMITH'S

FACTORY INVESTIGATION THAT
ENSUED WOULD MAKE SMITH'S
CAREER, AND CHANGE FOREVER LIFE

ENSUED WOULD MAKE SMITH'S
CAREER, AND CHANGE FOREVER LIFE
IN NEW YORK.

CAREER, AND CHANGE FOREVER LIFE
IN NEW YORK.
WEEK AFTER WEEK, MONTH AFTER

IN NEW YORK.
WEEK AFTER WEEK, MONTH AFTER
MONTH, THE FACTORY COMMISSION

WEEK AFTER WEEK, MONTH AFTER
MONTH, THE FACTORY COMMISSION
GROUND ON, TAKING TESTIMONY FROM

MONTH, THE FACTORY COMMISSION
GROUND ON, TAKING TESTIMONY FROM
FIRE INSPECTORS, SANITATION

GROUND ON, TAKING TESTIMONY FROM
FIRE INSPECTORS, SANITATION
EXPERTS, HEALTH OFFICIALS, AND

FIRE INSPECTORS, SANITATION
EXPERTS, HEALTH OFFICIALS, AND
LABOR LEADERS, CALLING IN ITS

EXPERTS, HEALTH OFFICIALS, AND
LABOR LEADERS, CALLING IN ITS
FIRST YEAR ALONE MORE THAN 200

LABOR LEADERS, CALLING IN ITS
FIRST YEAR ALONE MORE THAN 200
WITNESSES, THEN LAUNCHING AN

FIRST YEAR ALONE MORE THAN 200
WITNESSES, THEN LAUNCHING AN
UNPRECEDENTED STATEWIDE TOUR OF

WITNESSES, THEN LAUNCHING AN
UNPRECEDENTED STATEWIDE TOUR OF
FACTORIES, BEGINNING WITH NEW

UNPRECEDENTED STATEWIDE TOUR OF
FACTORIES, BEGINNING WITH NEW
YORK.

FACTORIES, BEGINNING WITH NEW
YORK.
Caro: THIS FACTORY COMMISSION

YORK.
Caro: THIS FACTORY COMMISSION
STARTED TO TOUR THE STATE, AND

Caro: THIS FACTORY COMMISSION
STARTED TO TOUR THE STATE, AND
THE REFORMERS COULDN'T HELP BUT

STARTED TO TOUR THE STATE, AND
THE REFORMERS COULDN'T HELP BUT
NOTICE THAT NO MATTER HOW HARD

THE REFORMERS COULDN'T HELP BUT
NOTICE THAT NO MATTER HOW HARD
THE TRIP WAS... EVERYONE WOULD

NOTICE THAT NO MATTER HOW HARD
THE TRIP WAS... EVERYONE WOULD
MISS ONE TRIP OR ANOTHER... AL

THE TRIP WAS... EVERYONE WOULD
MISS ONE TRIP OR ANOTHER... AL
SMITH NEVER MISSED A TRIP.

MISS ONE TRIP OR ANOTHER... AL
SMITH NEVER MISSED A TRIP.
THEY COULDN'T HELP NOTICING HIS

SMITH NEVER MISSED A TRIP.
THEY COULDN'T HELP NOTICING HIS
FACE WHEN THEY WOULD GO TO THESE

THEY COULDN'T HELP NOTICING HIS
FACE WHEN THEY WOULD GO TO THESE
FACTORIES AND THEY'D SEE THESE

FACE WHEN THEY WOULD GO TO THESE
FACTORIES AND THEY'D SEE THESE
ROOMS WITHOUT A WINDOW IN WHICH

FACTORIES AND THEY'D SEE THESE
ROOMS WITHOUT A WINDOW IN WHICH
MOTHERS WITH THEIR CHILDREN

ROOMS WITHOUT A WINDOW IN WHICH
MOTHERS WITH THEIR CHILDREN
WORKED SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

MOTHERS WITH THEIR CHILDREN
WORKED SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
THEY REMEMBER GOING TO ONE

WORKED SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
THEY REMEMBER GOING TO ONE
FACTORY WHERE THE OWNER ASSURED

THEY REMEMBER GOING TO ONE
FACTORY WHERE THE OWNER ASSURED
THEM HE HAD NO CHILDREN WORKING,

FACTORY WHERE THE OWNER ASSURED
THEM HE HAD NO CHILDREN WORKING,
AND THEN SOMEONE POINTED THEM TO

THEM HE HAD NO CHILDREN WORKING,
AND THEN SOMEONE POINTED THEM TO
AN ELEVATOR, AND HE HAD PUT ALL

AND THEN SOMEONE POINTED THEM TO
AN ELEVATOR, AND HE HAD PUT ALL
THE CHILDREN IN AN ELEVATOR AND

AN ELEVATOR, AND HE HAD PUT ALL
THE CHILDREN IN AN ELEVATOR AND
PUT IT BETWEEN FLOORS SO NOBODY

THE CHILDREN IN AN ELEVATOR AND
PUT IT BETWEEN FLOORS SO NOBODY
WOULD SEE THEM.

PUT IT BETWEEN FLOORS SO NOBODY
WOULD SEE THEM.
THEN IT CAME TIME FOR THE

WOULD SEE THEM.
THEN IT CAME TIME FOR THE
FACTORY COMMISSION TO WRITE ITS

THEN IT CAME TIME FOR THE
FACTORY COMMISSION TO WRITE ITS
LAWS, AND SMITH SAT AT THE

FACTORY COMMISSION TO WRITE ITS
LAWS, AND SMITH SAT AT THE
TABLE... HE WAS VERY CONSCIOUS OF

LAWS, AND SMITH SAT AT THE
TABLE... HE WAS VERY CONSCIOUS OF
HIS LACK OF EDUCATION... AND HE

TABLE... HE WAS VERY CONSCIOUS OF
HIS LACK OF EDUCATION... AND HE
SAID, "YOU MAKE THE

HIS LACK OF EDUCATION... AND HE
SAID, "YOU MAKE THE
RECOMMENDATIONS; I'LL FIGHT FOR

SAID, "YOU MAKE THE
RECOMMENDATIONS; I'LL FIGHT FOR
THEM."

RECOMMENDATIONS; I'LL FIGHT FOR
THEM."
AND IT WAS A VERY WONDERFUL AND

THEM."
AND IT WAS A VERY WONDERFUL AND
DRAMATIC THING.

AND IT WAS A VERY WONDERFUL AND
DRAMATIC THING.
THE REFORMERS HAD GONE UP TO

DRAMATIC THING.
THE REFORMERS HAD GONE UP TO
ALBANY FOR YEARS AND HAD NEVER

THE REFORMERS HAD GONE UP TO
ALBANY FOR YEARS AND HAD NEVER
GOTTEN THESE PROPOSALS FOR CHILD

ALBANY FOR YEARS AND HAD NEVER
GOTTEN THESE PROPOSALS FOR CHILD
LABOR LAWS, FOR WOMEN'S LABOR

GOTTEN THESE PROPOSALS FOR CHILD
LABOR LAWS, FOR WOMEN'S LABOR
LAWS, FOR WAGES AND HOURS LAWS,

LABOR LAWS, FOR WOMEN'S LABOR
LAWS, FOR WAGES AND HOURS LAWS,
FOR FACTORY COMPENSATION, FOR

LAWS, FOR WAGES AND HOURS LAWS,
FOR FACTORY COMPENSATION, FOR
DISABILITY COMPENSATION, PASSED.

FOR FACTORY COMPENSATION, FOR
DISABILITY COMPENSATION, PASSED.
NOW THEY SAT UP THERE IN THE

DISABILITY COMPENSATION, PASSED.
NOW THEY SAT UP THERE IN THE
GALLERIES OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND

NOW THEY SAT UP THERE IN THE
GALLERIES OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND
DOWN THERE ON THE FLOOR WAS THIS

GALLERIES OF THE ASSEMBLY, AND
DOWN THERE ON THE FLOOR WAS THIS
MAN THEY DESPISED, FIGHTING FOR

DOWN THERE ON THE FLOOR WAS THIS
MAN THEY DESPISED, FIGHTING FOR
THEM AND GETTING THESE THINGS

MAN THEY DESPISED, FIGHTING FOR
THEM AND GETTING THESE THINGS
THROUGH.

THEM AND GETTING THESE THINGS
THROUGH.
AND FOR YEARS TO COME AFTER

THROUGH.
AND FOR YEARS TO COME AFTER
THAT, AL SMITH WAS THE WEAPON OF

AND FOR YEARS TO COME AFTER
THAT, AL SMITH WAS THE WEAPON OF
REFORM IN NEW YORK.

THAT, AL SMITH WAS THE WEAPON OF
REFORM IN NEW YORK.
HE WAS THE RED-FACED, LOUD-

REFORM IN NEW YORK.
HE WAS THE RED-FACED, LOUD-
VOICED, PAUNCHY TAMMANY HENCHMAN

HE WAS THE RED-FACED, LOUD-
VOICED, PAUNCHY TAMMANY HENCHMAN
WHO CUT THROUGH THE DREAMS OF

VOICED, PAUNCHY TAMMANY HENCHMAN
WHO CUT THROUGH THE DREAMS OF
SOCIAL WELFARE REFORMS FOR WHICH

WHO CUT THROUGH THE DREAMS OF
SOCIAL WELFARE REFORMS FOR WHICH
REFORMERS HAD BEEN DREAMING NOW

SOCIAL WELFARE REFORMS FOR WHICH
REFORMERS HAD BEEN DREAMING NOW
EVER SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE

REFORMERS HAD BEEN DREAMING NOW
EVER SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.

EVER SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.
Narrator: THE RESULTING FLOOD

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION.
Narrator: THE RESULTING FLOOD
OF LEGISLATION, ONE MAN LATER

Narrator: THE RESULTING FLOOD
OF LEGISLATION, ONE MAN LATER
SAID, WAS NOTHING LESS THAN

OF LEGISLATION, ONE MAN LATER
SAID, WAS NOTHING LESS THAN
EPOCH-MAKING, LANDMARK LAWS

SAID, WAS NOTHING LESS THAN
EPOCH-MAKING, LANDMARK LAWS
AFFECTING NOT ONLY FIRE

EPOCH-MAKING, LANDMARK LAWS
AFFECTING NOT ONLY FIRE
PROTECTION, BUT EVERY ASPECT OF

AFFECTING NOT ONLY FIRE
PROTECTION, BUT EVERY ASPECT OF
FACTORY LIFE.

PROTECTION, BUT EVERY ASPECT OF
FACTORY LIFE.
PLANT OWNERS WOULD NOW BE

FACTORY LIFE.
PLANT OWNERS WOULD NOW BE
REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ENCLOSED

PLANT OWNERS WOULD NOW BE
REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ENCLOSED
STAIRCASES, FIRE SPRINKLERS, AND

REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ENCLOSED
STAIRCASES, FIRE SPRINKLERS, AND
ADEQUATE LIGHTING, VENTILATION,

STAIRCASES, FIRE SPRINKLERS, AND
ADEQUATE LIGHTING, VENTILATION,
AND WASHROOMS.

ADEQUATE LIGHTING, VENTILATION,
AND WASHROOMS.
DANGEROUS MACHINERY WOULD BE

AND WASHROOMS.
DANGEROUS MACHINERY WOULD BE
REGULATED BY LAW.

DANGEROUS MACHINERY WOULD BE
REGULATED BY LAW.
WOMEN WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO

REGULATED BY LAW.
WOMEN WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO
WORK MORE THAN 54 HOURS A WEEK.

WOMEN WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO
WORK MORE THAN 54 HOURS A WEEK.
CHILDREN UNDER 14 WOULD NOT BE

WORK MORE THAN 54 HOURS A WEEK.
CHILDREN UNDER 14 WOULD NOT BE
ALLOWED TO WORK IN FACTORIES AT

CHILDREN UNDER 14 WOULD NOT BE
ALLOWED TO WORK IN FACTORIES AT
ALL.

ALLOWED TO WORK IN FACTORIES AT
ALL.
Wallace: AND THE LOGJAM IS

ALL.
Wallace: AND THE LOGJAM IS
BROKEN, AND WHAT YOU GET IN 1913

Wallace: AND THE LOGJAM IS
BROKEN, AND WHAT YOU GET IN 1913
IS A FLOOD OF PROGRESSIVE

BROKEN, AND WHAT YOU GET IN 1913
IS A FLOOD OF PROGRESSIVE
LEGISLATION.

IS A FLOOD OF PROGRESSIVE
LEGISLATION.
AT THE HEARTLAND OF IT ALL IS

LEGISLATION.
AT THE HEARTLAND OF IT ALL IS
INDEED SAFETY REGULATIONS, BUT

AT THE HEARTLAND OF IT ALL IS
INDEED SAFETY REGULATIONS, BUT
THERE'S A TREMENDOUS RAFT OF NEW

INDEED SAFETY REGULATIONS, BUT
THERE'S A TREMENDOUS RAFT OF NEW
LAWS, AND WAGNER AND SMITH ARE

THERE'S A TREMENDOUS RAFT OF NEW
LAWS, AND WAGNER AND SMITH ARE
AT THE HEARTLAND OF THIS.

LAWS, AND WAGNER AND SMITH ARE
AT THE HEARTLAND OF THIS.
THEY INTRODUCE SOMETHING LIKE 60

AT THE HEARTLAND OF THIS.
THEY INTRODUCE SOMETHING LIKE 60
BILLS, OF WHICH 56 GET PASSED.

THEY INTRODUCE SOMETHING LIKE 60
BILLS, OF WHICH 56 GET PASSED.
AND THE POLITICAL CENTER OF

BILLS, OF WHICH 56 GET PASSED.
AND THE POLITICAL CENTER OF
GRAVITY OF THE CITY AND THE

AND THE POLITICAL CENTER OF
GRAVITY OF THE CITY AND THE
STATE AS A CONSEQUENCE HAS

GRAVITY OF THE CITY AND THE
STATE AS A CONSEQUENCE HAS
PROFOUNDLY SHIFTED.

STATE AS A CONSEQUENCE HAS
PROFOUNDLY SHIFTED.
Narrator: BUSINESS INTERESTS

PROFOUNDLY SHIFTED.
Narrator: BUSINESS INTERESTS
WERE OUTRAGED.

Narrator: BUSINESS INTERESTS
WERE OUTRAGED.
"TO OWN A FACTORY IN NEW YORK IS

WERE OUTRAGED.
"TO OWN A FACTORY IN NEW YORK IS
NOW A CALAMITY," THE LEADERS OF

"TO OWN A FACTORY IN NEW YORK IS
NOW A CALAMITY," THE LEADERS OF
THE REAL ESTATE BOARD DECLARED.

NOW A CALAMITY," THE LEADERS OF
THE REAL ESTATE BOARD DECLARED.
BUT NOTHING COULD STOP THE

THE REAL ESTATE BOARD DECLARED.
BUT NOTHING COULD STOP THE
MOMENTUM OF THE CAMPAIGN AL

BUT NOTHING COULD STOP THE
MOMENTUM OF THE CAMPAIGN AL
SMITH WAS NOW LEADING WITH

MOMENTUM OF THE CAMPAIGN AL
SMITH WAS NOW LEADING WITH
ALMOST EVANGELICAL FERVOR, TO

SMITH WAS NOW LEADING WITH
ALMOST EVANGELICAL FERVOR, TO
USE THE POWER OF THE STATE TO

ALMOST EVANGELICAL FERVOR, TO
USE THE POWER OF THE STATE TO
CHANGE PEOPLE'S LIVES.

USE THE POWER OF THE STATE TO
CHANGE PEOPLE'S LIVES.
Czitrom: IN OTHER WORDS,

CHANGE PEOPLE'S LIVES.
Czitrom: IN OTHER WORDS,
POLITICS IS NOT SIMPLY NOW ABOUT

Czitrom: IN OTHER WORDS,
POLITICS IS NOT SIMPLY NOW ABOUT
HELPING PEOPLE OUT WHEN THEY'RE

POLITICS IS NOT SIMPLY NOW ABOUT
HELPING PEOPLE OUT WHEN THEY'RE
IN NEED OR GIVING THEM THE COAL

HELPING PEOPLE OUT WHEN THEY'RE
IN NEED OR GIVING THEM THE COAL
TO GET THROUGH THE WINTER OR

IN NEED OR GIVING THEM THE COAL
TO GET THROUGH THE WINTER OR
HELPING THEM GET A JOB IF

TO GET THROUGH THE WINTER OR
HELPING THEM GET A JOB IF
THEY'RE UNEMPLOYED.

HELPING THEM GET A JOB IF
THEY'RE UNEMPLOYED.
IT'S NOW ABOUT USING THE POWER

THEY'RE UNEMPLOYED.
IT'S NOW ABOUT USING THE POWER
OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO

IT'S NOW ABOUT USING THE POWER
OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO
REALLY GET AT SOME OF THE

OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO
REALLY GET AT SOME OF THE
UNDERLYING PROBLEMS OF CITY

REALLY GET AT SOME OF THE
UNDERLYING PROBLEMS OF CITY
LIFE.

UNDERLYING PROBLEMS OF CITY
LIFE.
THE POINT HERE IS THAT MACHINE

LIFE.
THE POINT HERE IS THAT MACHINE
POLITICIANS FIND THAT IT'S IN

THE POINT HERE IS THAT MACHINE
POLITICIANS FIND THAT IT'S IN
THEIR OWN INTEREST TO BEGIN TO

POLITICIANS FIND THAT IT'S IN
THEIR OWN INTEREST TO BEGIN TO
THINK ABOUT POLITICS IN A LESS

THEIR OWN INTEREST TO BEGIN TO
THINK ABOUT POLITICS IN A LESS
PAROCHIAL WAY, AND ULTIMATELY IN

THINK ABOUT POLITICS IN A LESS
PAROCHIAL WAY, AND ULTIMATELY IN
A MORE NATIONAL WAY.

PAROCHIAL WAY, AND ULTIMATELY IN
A MORE NATIONAL WAY.
"WHAT CAN WE DO WHEN WE CONTROL

A MORE NATIONAL WAY.
"WHAT CAN WE DO WHEN WE CONTROL
THE CITY OR THE STATE OR THE

"WHAT CAN WE DO WHEN WE CONTROL
THE CITY OR THE STATE OR THE
CONGRESS TO MAKE PEOPLE'S LIVES

THE CITY OR THE STATE OR THE
CONGRESS TO MAKE PEOPLE'S LIVES
BETTER?

CONGRESS TO MAKE PEOPLE'S LIVES
BETTER?
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE WORKING

BETTER?
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE WORKING
CONDITIONS?

HOW CAN WE IMPROVE WORKING
CONDITIONS?
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE HOUSING

CONDITIONS?
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE HOUSING
CONDITIONS?

HOW CAN WE IMPROVE HOUSING
CONDITIONS?
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE EDUCATIONAL

CONDITIONS?
HOW CAN WE IMPROVE EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES?"

HOW CAN WE IMPROVE EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES?"
Narrator: AS THE SUBWAY HAD

OPPORTUNITIES?"
Narrator: AS THE SUBWAY HAD
BROUGHT NEW YORKERS TOGETHER

Narrator: AS THE SUBWAY HAD
BROUGHT NEW YORKERS TOGETHER
PHYSICALLY, SO THE GRIEF AND

BROUGHT NEW YORKERS TOGETHER
PHYSICALLY, SO THE GRIEF AND
HORROR OF THE TRIANGLE FIRE

PHYSICALLY, SO THE GRIEF AND
HORROR OF THE TRIANGLE FIRE
BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER

HORROR OF THE TRIANGLE FIRE
BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER
EMOTIONALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.

BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER
EMOTIONALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.
"WE BANDED OURSELVES TOGETHER,"

EMOTIONALLY AND SPIRITUALLY.
"WE BANDED OURSELVES TOGETHER,"
FRANCES PERKINS LATER WROTE,

"WE BANDED OURSELVES TOGETHER,"
FRANCES PERKINS LATER WROTE,
"MOVED BY A SENSE OF STRICKEN

FRANCES PERKINS LATER WROTE,
"MOVED BY A SENSE OF STRICKEN
GUILT, TO PREVENT THIS KIND OF

"MOVED BY A SENSE OF STRICKEN
GUILT, TO PREVENT THIS KIND OF
DISASTER FROM EVER HAPPENING

GUILT, TO PREVENT THIS KIND OF
DISASTER FROM EVER HAPPENING
AGAIN."

DISASTER FROM EVER HAPPENING
AGAIN."
IN THE YEARS TO COME, AS THE

AGAIN."
IN THE YEARS TO COME, AS THE
LEADERS OF THE FACTORY

IN THE YEARS TO COME, AS THE
LEADERS OF THE FACTORY
INVESTIGATING COMMISSION MOVED

LEADERS OF THE FACTORY
INVESTIGATING COMMISSION MOVED
INTO POSITIONS OF POWER IN CITY

INVESTIGATING COMMISSION MOVED
INTO POSITIONS OF POWER IN CITY
HALL, IN ALBANY, AND EVENTUALLY

INTO POSITIONS OF POWER IN CITY
HALL, IN ALBANY, AND EVENTUALLY
IN WASHINGTON, THE REMARKABLE

HALL, IN ALBANY, AND EVENTUALLY
IN WASHINGTON, THE REMARKABLE
ALLIANCE WOULD BECOME AN

IN WASHINGTON, THE REMARKABLE
ALLIANCE WOULD BECOME AN
UNSTOPPABLE ENGINE FOR CHANGE,

ALLIANCE WOULD BECOME AN
UNSTOPPABLE ENGINE FOR CHANGE,
NOT ONLY IN NEW YORK, BUT ACROSS

UNSTOPPABLE ENGINE FOR CHANGE,
NOT ONLY IN NEW YORK, BUT ACROSS
THE NATION.

NOT ONLY IN NEW YORK, BUT ACROSS
THE NATION.
LOOKING BACK, FRANCES PERKINS,

THE NATION.
LOOKING BACK, FRANCES PERKINS,
APPOINTED BY FRANKLIN D.

LOOKING BACK, FRANCES PERKINS,
APPOINTED BY FRANKLIN D.
ROOSEVELT AS THE FIRST SECRETARY

APPOINTED BY FRANKLIN D.
ROOSEVELT AS THE FIRST SECRETARY
OF LABOR AND THE FIRST WOMAN

ROOSEVELT AS THE FIRST SECRETARY
OF LABOR AND THE FIRST WOMAN
CABINET MEMBER IN AMERICAN

OF LABOR AND THE FIRST WOMAN
CABINET MEMBER IN AMERICAN
HISTORY, WOULD SAY SIMPLY, "THE

CABINET MEMBER IN AMERICAN
HISTORY, WOULD SAY SIMPLY, "THE
NEW DEAL BEGAN ON MARCH 25,

HISTORY, WOULD SAY SIMPLY, "THE
NEW DEAL BEGAN ON MARCH 25,
1911, THE DAY THE TRIANGLE

NEW DEAL BEGAN ON MARCH 25,
1911, THE DAY THE TRIANGLE
FACTORY BURNED."

1911, THE DAY THE TRIANGLE
FACTORY BURNED."
Reader: "IS NEW YORK THE MOST

FACTORY BURNED."
Reader: "IS NEW YORK THE MOST
BEAUTIFUL CITY IN THE WORLD?

Reader: "IS NEW YORK THE MOST
BEAUTIFUL CITY IN THE WORLD?
IT IS NOT FAR FROM IT.

BEAUTIFUL CITY IN THE WORLD?
IT IS NOT FAR FROM IT.
NO URBAN NIGHTS ARE LIKE THE

IT IS NOT FAR FROM IT.
NO URBAN NIGHTS ARE LIKE THE
NIGHTS THERE.

NO URBAN NIGHTS ARE LIKE THE
NIGHTS THERE.
I HAVE LOOKED DOWN ACROSS THE

NIGHTS THERE.
I HAVE LOOKED DOWN ACROSS THE
CITY FROM HIGH WINDOWS.

I HAVE LOOKED DOWN ACROSS THE
CITY FROM HIGH WINDOWS.
IT IS THEN THAT THE GREAT

CITY FROM HIGH WINDOWS.
IT IS THEN THAT THE GREAT
BUILDINGS LOSE REALITY AND TAKE

IT IS THEN THAT THE GREAT
BUILDINGS LOSE REALITY AND TAKE
ON MAGICAL POWERS.

BUILDINGS LOSE REALITY AND TAKE
ON MAGICAL POWERS.
SQUARES AND SQUARES OF FLAME SET

ON MAGICAL POWERS.
SQUARES AND SQUARES OF FLAME SET
AND CUT INTO THE ETHER.

SQUARES AND SQUARES OF FLAME SET
AND CUT INTO THE ETHER.
HERE IS OUR POETRY, FOR WE HAVE

AND CUT INTO THE ETHER.
HERE IS OUR POETRY, FOR WE HAVE
PULLED DOWN THE STARS TO OUR

HERE IS OUR POETRY, FOR WE HAVE
PULLED DOWN THE STARS TO OUR
WILL."

PULLED DOWN THE STARS TO OUR
WILL."
EZRA POUND, 1913.

WILL."
EZRA POUND, 1913.
Narrator: BY 1913, ANYTHING

EZRA POUND, 1913.
Narrator: BY 1913, ANYTHING
SEEMED POSSIBLE IN NEW YORK.

Narrator: BY 1913, ANYTHING
SEEMED POSSIBLE IN NEW YORK.
AT 7:30 PRECISELY, ON THE

SEEMED POSSIBLE IN NEW YORK.
AT 7:30 PRECISELY, ON THE
EVENING OF APRIL 24, PRESIDENT

AT 7:30 PRECISELY, ON THE
EVENING OF APRIL 24, PRESIDENT
WOODROW WILSON PRESSED AN

EVENING OF APRIL 24, PRESIDENT
WOODROW WILSON PRESSED AN
ELECTRIC SWITCH IN THE WHITE

WOODROW WILSON PRESSED AN
ELECTRIC SWITCH IN THE WHITE
HOUSE.

ELECTRIC SWITCH IN THE WHITE
HOUSE.
200 MILES TO THE NORTH, ON THE

HOUSE.
200 MILES TO THE NORTH, ON THE
CORNER OF BROADWAY AND PARK ROW

200 MILES TO THE NORTH, ON THE
CORNER OF BROADWAY AND PARK ROW
IN NEW YORK, THE 80,000 ELECTRIC

CORNER OF BROADWAY AND PARK ROW
IN NEW YORK, THE 80,000 ELECTRIC
LIGHTS OF A BRAND-NEW

IN NEW YORK, THE 80,000 ELECTRIC
LIGHTS OF A BRAND-NEW
SKYSCRAPER, THE WOOLWORTH

LIGHTS OF A BRAND-NEW
SKYSCRAPER, THE WOOLWORTH
BUILDING, BLAZED OUT BRILLIANTLY

SKYSCRAPER, THE WOOLWORTH
BUILDING, BLAZED OUT BRILLIANTLY
ACROSS THE CITY.

BUILDING, BLAZED OUT BRILLIANTLY
ACROSS THE CITY.
IT LOOKED, ONE MAN SAID, LIKE

ACROSS THE CITY.
IT LOOKED, ONE MAN SAID, LIKE
"AN IMMENSE BALL OF FIRE, GIVING

IT LOOKED, ONE MAN SAID, LIKE
"AN IMMENSE BALL OF FIRE, GIVING
THE EFFECT OF A GORGEOUS JEWEL

"AN IMMENSE BALL OF FIRE, GIVING
THE EFFECT OF A GORGEOUS JEWEL
RESPLENDENT IN ITS SETTING OF

THE EFFECT OF A GORGEOUS JEWEL
RESPLENDENT IN ITS SETTING OF
RICH GOLD, AND VISIBLE TO

RESPLENDENT IN ITS SETTING OF
RICH GOLD, AND VISIBLE TO
MARINERS 40 MILES OUT TO SEA."

RICH GOLD, AND VISIBLE TO
MARINERS 40 MILES OUT TO SEA."
RISING 60 STORIES AND NEARLY 800

MARINERS 40 MILES OUT TO SEA."
RISING 60 STORIES AND NEARLY 800
FEET INTO THE SKY, THE TALLEST

RISING 60 STORIES AND NEARLY 800
FEET INTO THE SKY, THE TALLEST
BUILDING IN THE WORLD BY FAR WAS

FEET INTO THE SKY, THE TALLEST
BUILDING IN THE WORLD BY FAR WAS
IMMEDIATELY CALLED "THE

BUILDING IN THE WORLD BY FAR WAS
IMMEDIATELY CALLED "THE
CATHEDRAL OF COMMERCE."

McCullough: YOU HAD THE NEW
BUILDING FORM ACHIEVING FOR THE

BUILDING FORM ACHIEVING FOR THE
FIRST TIME A KIND OF ARTISTIC

FIRST TIME A KIND OF ARTISTIC
POWER OF ITS OWN, MORE EVEN THAN

POWER OF ITS OWN, MORE EVEN THAN
THE FLATIRON BUILDING, WHICH IS

THE FLATIRON BUILDING, WHICH IS
SO VERY IMPORTANT, ONE OF THE

SO VERY IMPORTANT, ONE OF THE
GREAT AMERICAN BUILDINGS OF ALL

GREAT AMERICAN BUILDINGS OF ALL
TIME, A BUILDING LIKE NONE OTHER

TIME, A BUILDING LIKE NONE OTHER
THAT HAD EVER BEEN BUILT BEFORE,

THAT HAD EVER BEEN BUILT BEFORE,
PAID FOR BY MR. WOOLWORTH IN

PAID FOR BY MR. WOOLWORTH IN
CASH, $13 MILLION, ALL FROM HIS

CASH, $13 MILLION, ALL FROM HIS
FIVE-AND-TEN-CENT STORES.

FIVE-AND-TEN-CENT STORES.
LOT OF NICKELS AND DIMES.
Narrator: FIVE YEARS LATER,

Narrator: FIVE YEARS LATER,
NEW YORKERS PROVED ANYTHING WAS
POSSIBLE.

NEW YORKERS PROVED ANYTHING WAS
POSSIBLE.
ON THE NIGHT OF NOVEMBER 5,

POSSIBLE.
ON THE NIGHT OF NOVEMBER 5,
1918, AL SMITH, THE IRISH BOY

ON THE NIGHT OF NOVEMBER 5,
1918, AL SMITH, THE IRISH BOY
FROM THE FOURTH WARD OF THE

1918, AL SMITH, THE IRISH BOY
FROM THE FOURTH WARD OF THE
LOWER EAST SIDE, WHO HAD GROWN

FROM THE FOURTH WARD OF THE
LOWER EAST SIDE, WHO HAD GROWN
UP IN THE SHADOW OF THE BROOKLYN

LOWER EAST SIDE, WHO HAD GROWN
UP IN THE SHADOW OF THE BROOKLYN
BRIDGE AND WHOSE ONLY DEGREE WAS

UP IN THE SHADOW OF THE BROOKLYN
BRIDGE AND WHOSE ONLY DEGREE WAS
FROM THE FULTON FISH MARKET, SAT

BRIDGE AND WHOSE ONLY DEGREE WAS
FROM THE FULTON FISH MARKET, SAT
ANXIOUSLY IN THE BALLROOM OF THE

FROM THE FULTON FISH MARKET, SAT
ANXIOUSLY IN THE BALLROOM OF THE
HOTEL BILTMORE IN NEW YORK

ANXIOUSLY IN THE BALLROOM OF THE
HOTEL BILTMORE IN NEW YORK
WATCHING THE ELECTION RETURNS

HOTEL BILTMORE IN NEW YORK
WATCHING THE ELECTION RETURNS
COME IN.

WATCHING THE ELECTION RETURNS
COME IN.
BY MIDNIGHT, THE RESULTS WERE

COME IN.
BY MIDNIGHT, THE RESULTS WERE
CLEAR.

BY MIDNIGHT, THE RESULTS WERE
CLEAR.
THE 44-YEAR-OLD HERO OF THE

CLEAR.
THE 44-YEAR-OLD HERO OF THE
LABOR REFORM MOVEMENT HAD BEEN

THE 44-YEAR-OLD HERO OF THE
LABOR REFORM MOVEMENT HAD BEEN
ELECTED GOVERNOR OF THE LARGEST

LABOR REFORM MOVEMENT HAD BEEN
ELECTED GOVERNOR OF THE LARGEST
AND MOST IMPORTANT STATE IN THE

ELECTED GOVERNOR OF THE LARGEST
AND MOST IMPORTANT STATE IN THE
UNION.

AND MOST IMPORTANT STATE IN THE
UNION.
Caro: WHEN HE WON THE

UNION.
Caro: WHEN HE WON THE
GOVERNORSHIP, IT REALLY MEANT

Caro: WHEN HE WON THE
GOVERNORSHIP, IT REALLY MEANT
SOMETHING TO THE IRISH IN

GOVERNORSHIP, IT REALLY MEANT
SOMETHING TO THE IRISH IN
AMERICA.

SOMETHING TO THE IRISH IN
AMERICA.
IT WAS THE FIRST TIME AN OATH OF

AMERICA.
IT WAS THE FIRST TIME AN OATH OF
OFFICE HAD EVER BEEN TAKEN FOR

IT WAS THE FIRST TIME AN OATH OF
OFFICE HAD EVER BEEN TAKEN FOR
THE GOVERNOR OF STATE OR THE

OFFICE HAD EVER BEEN TAKEN FOR
THE GOVERNOR OF STATE OR THE
SENATOR OF STATE IN THE ACCENTS

THE GOVERNOR OF STATE OR THE
SENATOR OF STATE IN THE ACCENTS
OF THE OLD COUNTRY.

SENATOR OF STATE IN THE ACCENTS
OF THE OLD COUNTRY.
WHEN SMITH WAS INAUGURATED, ALL

OF THE OLD COUNTRY.
WHEN SMITH WAS INAUGURATED, ALL
THE NIGHT BEFORE, TRAINS BROUGHT

WHEN SMITH WAS INAUGURATED, ALL
THE NIGHT BEFORE, TRAINS BROUGHT
UP TO ALBANY THE IRISH

THE NIGHT BEFORE, TRAINS BROUGHT
UP TO ALBANY THE IRISH
IMMIGRANTS.

UP TO ALBANY THE IRISH
IMMIGRANTS.
THEY MARCHED ALL NIGHT THROUGH

IMMIGRANTS.
THEY MARCHED ALL NIGHT THROUGH
THE STREETS, SINGING THIS NEW

THEY MARCHED ALL NIGHT THROUGH
THE STREETS, SINGING THIS NEW
TWO-STEP, WHICH WAS AL SMITH'S

THE STREETS, SINGING THIS NEW
TWO-STEP, WHICH WAS AL SMITH'S
HYMN, "THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW

TWO-STEP, WHICH WAS AL SMITH'S
HYMN, "THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW
YORK."

HYMN, "THE SIDEWALKS OF NEW
YORK."
AND WHEN SMITH TOOK THE OATH OF

YORK."
AND WHEN SMITH TOOK THE OATH OF
OFFICE UP THERE, IT WAS THE

AND WHEN SMITH TOOK THE OATH OF
OFFICE UP THERE, IT WAS THE
TRIUMPH OF THE IMMIGRANTS IN

OFFICE UP THERE, IT WAS THE
TRIUMPH OF THE IMMIGRANTS IN
AMERICA.

TRIUMPH OF THE IMMIGRANTS IN
AMERICA.
Narrator: NEW YORK'S WORKING

AMERICA.
Narrator: NEW YORK'S WORKING
CLASSES COULD NOT BELIEVE THEIR

Narrator: NEW YORK'S WORKING
CLASSES COULD NOT BELIEVE THEIR
GOOD FORTUNE.

CLASSES COULD NOT BELIEVE THEIR
GOOD FORTUNE.
ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE, JUBILANT

GOOD FORTUNE.
ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE, JUBILANT
IMMIGRANT VOTERS, IRISH AND NON-

ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE, JUBILANT
IMMIGRANT VOTERS, IRISH AND NON-
IRISH ALIKE, DANCED IN THE

IMMIGRANT VOTERS, IRISH AND NON-
IRISH ALIKE, DANCED IN THE
STREETS, WHILE DOWN IN THE

IRISH ALIKE, DANCED IN THE
STREETS, WHILE DOWN IN THE
FOURTH WARD, SMITH'S HOME

STREETS, WHILE DOWN IN THE
FOURTH WARD, SMITH'S HOME
DISTRICT, HOUSEWIVES TIED BROOMS

FOURTH WARD, SMITH'S HOME
DISTRICT, HOUSEWIVES TIED BROOMS
TO THE RAILINGS OF THEIR

DISTRICT, HOUSEWIVES TIED BROOMS
TO THE RAILINGS OF THEIR
TENEMENT STOOPS, THE OLD TAMMANY

TO THE RAILINGS OF THEIR
TENEMENT STOOPS, THE OLD TAMMANY
SYMBOL FOR A CLEAN SWEEP.

TENEMENT STOOPS, THE OLD TAMMANY
SYMBOL FOR A CLEAN SWEEP.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, NO

SYMBOL FOR A CLEAN SWEEP.
IN THE YEARS TO COME, NO
POLITICIAN IN NEW YORK HISTORY

IN THE YEARS TO COME, NO
POLITICIAN IN NEW YORK HISTORY
WOULD DO MORE THAN AL SMITH TO

POLITICIAN IN NEW YORK HISTORY
WOULD DO MORE THAN AL SMITH TO
MAKE GOVERNMENT ANSWERABLE TO

WOULD DO MORE THAN AL SMITH TO
MAKE GOVERNMENT ANSWERABLE TO
THE NEEDS OF ALL THE PEOPLE AND

MAKE GOVERNMENT ANSWERABLE TO
THE NEEDS OF ALL THE PEOPLE AND
HELP MAKE THE GREAT DEMOCRATIC

THE NEEDS OF ALL THE PEOPLE AND
HELP MAKE THE GREAT DEMOCRATIC
VISTA WALT WHITMAN HAD ONCE SEEN

HELP MAKE THE GREAT DEMOCRATIC
VISTA WALT WHITMAN HAD ONCE SEEN
ON THE STREETS OF NEW YORK A

VISTA WALT WHITMAN HAD ONCE SEEN
ON THE STREETS OF NEW YORK A
REALITY.

ON THE STREETS OF NEW YORK A
REALITY.
Caro: WHITMAN SANG OF THE

REALITY.
Caro: WHITMAN SANG OF THE
IMMIGRANTS.

Caro: WHITMAN SANG OF THE
IMMIGRANTS.
SMITH TALKED OF THE IMMIGRANTS.

IMMIGRANTS.
SMITH TALKED OF THE IMMIGRANTS.
HE TALKED IN DIFFERENT...

SMITH TALKED OF THE IMMIGRANTS.
HE TALKED IN DIFFERENT...
IT WAS US AGAINST THEM.

HE TALKED IN DIFFERENT...
IT WAS US AGAINST THEM.
HE ALWAYS SAID, "THERE ARE NO

IT WAS US AGAINST THEM.
HE ALWAYS SAID, "THERE ARE NO
VOTES OVER ON FIFTH AVENUE;

HE ALWAYS SAID, "THERE ARE NO
VOTES OVER ON FIFTH AVENUE;
THEY'RE ALL DOWN HERE IN THE

VOTES OVER ON FIFTH AVENUE;
THEY'RE ALL DOWN HERE IN THE
FOURTH WARD WHERE I LIVE."

THEY'RE ALL DOWN HERE IN THE
FOURTH WARD WHERE I LIVE."
HE WAS TURNING THE FORCE OF THE

FOURTH WARD WHERE I LIVE."
HE WAS TURNING THE FORCE OF THE
IMMIGRANT FLOOD.

HE WAS TURNING THE FORCE OF THE
IMMIGRANT FLOOD.
HE WAS CHANNELING THE

IMMIGRANT FLOOD.
HE WAS CHANNELING THE
GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS, THE

HE WAS CHANNELING THE
GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS, THE
POLICIES OF THE STATE, TO MEET

GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS, THE
POLICIES OF THE STATE, TO MEET
THEIR NEEDS AND MAKE THEM A

POLICIES OF THE STATE, TO MEET
THEIR NEEDS AND MAKE THEM A
PART, YOU MIGHT SAY, OF THE

THEIR NEEDS AND MAKE THEM A
PART, YOU MIGHT SAY, OF THE
FABRIC OF THE CITY.

PART, YOU MIGHT SAY, OF THE
FABRIC OF THE CITY.
SMITH HAD NEVER READ WHITMAN...

FABRIC OF THE CITY.
SMITH HAD NEVER READ WHITMAN...
YOU CAN BE SURE OF THAT... BUT HE

SMITH HAD NEVER READ WHITMAN...
YOU CAN BE SURE OF THAT... BUT HE
WAS GOING TO BE THE GUY WHO IN

YOU CAN BE SURE OF THAT... BUT HE
WAS GOING TO BE THE GUY WHO IN
EFFECT PUT WHITMAN'S VERSES INTO

WAS GOING TO BE THE GUY WHO IN
EFFECT PUT WHITMAN'S VERSES INTO
A POLITICAL SLOGAN, BECAUSE IT

EFFECT PUT WHITMAN'S VERSES INTO
A POLITICAL SLOGAN, BECAUSE IT
WAS ALFRED E. SMITH WHO SAID,

A POLITICAL SLOGAN, BECAUSE IT
WAS ALFRED E. SMITH WHO SAID,
"THE CURE FOR THE EVILS OF

WAS ALFRED E. SMITH WHO SAID,
"THE CURE FOR THE EVILS OF
DEMOCRACY IS MORE DEMOCRACY."

"THE CURE FOR THE EVILS OF
DEMOCRACY IS MORE DEMOCRACY."
VISIT NEW YORK ON-LINE.

DEMOCRACY IS MORE DEMOCRACY."
VISIT NEW YORK ON-LINE.
JUMP INTO A TAXI AND PLAY A QUIZ

VISIT NEW YORK ON-LINE.
JUMP INTO A TAXI AND PLAY A QUIZ
GAME, VISIT A VIRTUAL NEW YORK.

JUMP INTO A TAXI AND PLAY A QUIZ
GAME, VISIT A VIRTUAL NEW YORK.
AND FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS,

GAME, VISIT A VIRTUAL NEW YORK.
AND FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS,
TAKE YOUR KIDS ON A LEARNING

AND FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS,
TAKE YOUR KIDS ON A LEARNING
ADVENTURE THROUGH YOUR TOWN.