American Experience (1988) s12e04 Episode Script

1
Pete Hamill: I REMEMBER ONE
TIME AFTER THE WAR I WAS ABOU
TIME AFTER THE WAR I WAS ABOU
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 EIGH
NEW YORK AUGUST HE WOULD WORK
ON THIS ASSEMBLY LINE EIGH
HOURS A DAY, AND HE WAS HOME
ON THIS ASSEMBLY LINE EIGH
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 PU
THEY WORKED AT THE LOUSIEST,
ROTTENEST JOBS IN ORDER TO PU
FOOD ON OUR TABLES.
ROTTENEST JOBS IN ORDER TO PU
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 SONNE
LIBERTY.
THE LIBERTY HER SONNE
CELEBRATED HAD NOTHING TO DO
THE LIBERTY HER SONNE
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 OU
PEOPLES AROUND THE WORLD.
IT WAS THE FUTURE REACHING OU
TO THE PRESENT TO UNCHAIN
IT WAS THE FUTURE REACHING OU
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 THA
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 THA
AND THEN IT CONTAINS
SOMETHING THE TEST OF THA
POEM IS THAT IT IS TRUE.
SOMETHING THE TEST OF THA
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 I
POEM SO MOVINGLY COMMEMORATED,
OR THE EPIC HUMAN TIDE I
FORETOLD.
OR THE EPIC HUMAN TIDE I
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, A
SHE DIED IN HER HOME IN
MANHATTAN THREE MONTHS LATER, A
THE AGE OF 38.
MANHATTAN THREE MONTHS LATER, A
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 SUNSE
LAND TO LAND.
HERE AT OUR SEA-WASHED SUNSE
GATES SHALL STAND A MIGHTY WOMAN
HERE AT OUR SEA-WASHED SUNSE
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 ABOU
END OF HERALD SQUARE.
PASSERSBY ASSUMED HE WAS ABOU
TO EXPOSE A GLASS-PLATE
PASSERSBY ASSUMED HE WAS ABOU
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 WHA
WHEN THEY FIRST SAW THESE
IMAGES, THEY HAD NO IDEA WHA
THEY WERE.
IMAGES, THEY HAD NO IDEA WHA
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 A
WALL OF WATER JUST RUSHING A
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 MOS
AND EVENTS, MOST HAD NO PLOTS
AND NO CHARACTERS, AND MOS
LASTED ONLY A MINUTE OR TWO.
AND NO CHARACTERS, AND MOS
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 LONGES
BUSIEST HARBOR, THE WORLD'S
BIGGEST SHIPS AND LONGES
BRIDGES, THE WORST SLUMS AND
BIGGEST SHIPS AND LONGES
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 FEE
AND A PARK 840 ACRES IN SIZE.
IT HAD TRAINS THAT RAN 100 FEE
ABOVE THE GROUND AND LEAP
IT HAD TRAINS THAT RAN 100 FEE
ABOVE THE GROUND AND LEAP
ACROSS RIVERS.
ABOVE THE GROUND AND LEAP
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 MOS
ENTRANCED, AS WALT WHITMAN HAD
BEEN, BY THE HUMBLEST AND MOS
ORDINARY OF MOMENTS A TROLLEY
BEEN, BY THE HUMBLEST AND MOS
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 THA
THEY RECORD THE CITY, AND THEY
RECORD IT IN SUCH A WAY THA
MAKE IT EVEN SEEM MORE EXCITING
RECORD IT IN SUCH A WAY THA
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 CAR
SEE IT AS A SHADOWY THING.
SUDDENLY YOU CATCH THAT CAR
MOVING AND SEE THE NEW YORK
SUDDENLY YOU CATCH THAT CAR
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 NO
ABOUT NEW YORK IS THAT IT'S NO
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'
ALSO ALWAYS BECOMING IN TERMS OF
WHAT IT IS IN SOMETHING WE CAN'
SEE AND THE CULTURE OF THE CITY,
WHAT IT IS IN SOMETHING WE CAN'
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 FRON
HAPPENING RIGHT THERE IN FRON
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
EAST AND FROM THE SOUTH:
ITALIANS, JEWS, GREEKS, AND
EAST AND FROM THE SOUTH:
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
SAME THING: THERE WAS FREEDOM
OTHER, THEY HAD ALL HEARD THE
SAME THING: THERE WAS FREEDOM
AND OPPORTUNITY IN AMERICA FOR
SAME THING: 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 THA
Hamill: THERE WAS A SENSE
THAT THE CITY A MESSAGE THA
THE CITY WHISPERED TO ITS
THAT THE CITY A MESSAGE THA
THE CITY WHISPERED TO ITS
PEOPLE, AND TO PEOPLE FROM ALL
THE CITY WHISPERED TO ITS
PEOPLE, AND TO PEOPLE FROM ALL
OVER THE UNITED STATES: YOU
PEOPLE, AND TO PEOPLE FROM ALL
OVER THE UNITED STATES: YOU
KNOW, "COME HERE; EVERYTHING IS
OVER THE UNITED STATES: 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 A
IT'S A SEDUCTIVE WHISPER.
AND A LOT OF PEOPLE FAILED A
IT, BUT AT LEAST THE PROMISE WAS
AND A LOT OF PEOPLE FAILED A
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 THA
THROUGH ELLIS ISLAND.
I HEARD ALL KINDS OF THINGS THA
THEY WOULD TELL YOU ON THE BOAT.
I HEARD ALL KINDS OF THINGS THA
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 A
THROUGH CASTLE GARDEN, A
RAMSHACKLE STATE-RUN DEPOT A
THE FOOT OF MANHATTAN.
RAMSHACKLE STATE-RUN DEPOT A
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 OU
THE INSPECTIONS WERE BRUSQUE,
IRREVERSIBLE, AND CARRIED OU
WITH ASTONISHING SPEED.
IRREVERSIBLE, AND CARRIED OU
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 WITHOU
THE UNLUCKY ONES WERE SWIFTLY
REMOVED FROM THE LINE WITHOU
EXPLANATION AND SENT TO SPECIAL
REMOVED FROM THE LINE WITHOU
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
THEIR COATS: "L" FOR LAMENESS;
LETTERS HASTILY SCRAWLED ON
THEIR COATS: "L" FOR LAMENESS;
"C" FOR CONJUNCTIVITIS; "H"
THEIR COATS: "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 FLIGH
CONGRATULATION, THE NEW ARRIVALS
WERE CURTLY WAVED DOWN A FLIGH
OF STAIRS TOWARD THE EXIT,
WERE CURTLY WAVED DOWN A FLIGH
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 ME
THAT HAD SOMETIMES LASTED MONTHS
OR YEARS, THEY WERE FINALLY ME
BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
OR YEARS, THEY WERE FINALLY ME
BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Reader: "THE ITALIAN KISSES
BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
Reader: "THE ITALIAN KISSES
HIS LITTLE CHILDREN, BU
Reader: "THE ITALIAN KISSES
HIS LITTLE CHILDREN, BU
SCARCELY SPEAKS TO HIS WIFE.
HIS LITTLE CHILDREN, BU
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 MOS
THE BATTERY, THEY STOOD IN
WONDER AT THE LAST AND MOS
EXTRAORDINARY SIGHT OF ALL, AN
WONDER AT THE LAST AND MOS
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 MUS
Reader: "EVERYBODY WAS
LOOKING AT MANHATTAN, AND I MUS
ADMIT, THAT SIGHT I DON'T THINK
LOOKING AT MANHATTAN, AND I MUS
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 THA
THE CITY OF NEW YORK WHEN THE
SKYSCRAPER WAS BORN IS THA
BUILDINGS TURNED FROM
SKYSCRAPER WAS BORN IS THA
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 GREA
OUT OF STEEL.
IT'S ONE OF THE GREA
TRANSFORMING MOMENTS IN HOW WE
IT'S ONE OF THE GREA
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; I
REMEMBER, THE EAST RIVER IS THE
SEA; IT'S A TIDAL STRAIT; I
ISN'T REALLY A RIVER AT ALL UP
SEA; IT'S A TIDAL STRAIT; I
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 THA
IT'S GRANITE AND BASICALLY VERY,
VERY HIGH-DENSITY ROCK THA
FRANKLY, DIGGING FOUNDATIONS IS
VERY HIGH-DENSITY ROCK THA
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, THA
AND ONCE YOU DYNAMITE OUT AND
YOU SECURE THAT FOUNDATION, THA
BUILDING ISN'T GOING ANYWHERE.
YOU SECURE THAT FOUNDATION, THA
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 OU
STEPPING OFF ON THE TOP FLOOR,
ONE AWESTRUCK VISITOR CALLED OU
LOUDLY, "IS GOD IN?"
ONE AWESTRUCK VISITOR CALLED OU
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 THA
WAY OUT IS UP."
Mike Wallace: ONCE THA
PROCESS STARTS, MOREOVER,
Mike Wallace: ONCE THA
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 MOS
TALLER AND TALLER BUILDINGS
SOARED INTO THE SKY, THE MOS
TANGIBLE OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF
SOARED INTO THE SKY, THE MOS
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 TIL
"WHEN THEY FIND THEMSELVES A
LITTLE CROWDED, THEY SIMPLY TIL
A STREET ON END AND CALL IT A
LITTLE CROWDED, THEY SIMPLY TIL
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, BU
Stern: REMEMBER THAT LOWER
MANHATTAN IN PARTICULAR, BU
EVEN ALL OF MANHATTAN, HAS THIS
MANHATTAN IN PARTICULAR, BU
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, THA
AN IMMENSE CONCERT.
THIS IS NOT THE PARTHENON, THA
LITTLE TEMPLE ON A LITTLE HILL.
THIS IS NOT THE PARTHENON, THA
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 SA
PASSED OVER AGAIN AND AGAIN FOR
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS, HE SA
SILENTLY IN THE LAST ROW OF THE
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS, HE SA
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, BU
DIDN'T HAVE MUCH SCHOOLING, BU
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 SUBJEC
HAD BEEN READING ALL THESE BILLS
AND NO MATTER WHAT THE SUBJEC
WAS, THIS GUY SMITH KNEW ABOU
AND NO MATTER WHAT THE SUBJEC
WAS, THIS GUY SMITH KNEW ABOU
IT.
WAS, THIS GUY SMITH KNEW ABOU
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 SILEN
AND AT THE END OF THE TALK, ONE
OF THE ADVISORS SAID TO SILEN
CHARLIE, "YOU KNOW, AL SMITH
OF THE ADVISORS SAID TO SILEN
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 EAS
REGALING THEM WITH TALES FROM
HIS CHILDHOOD ON THE LOWER EAS
SIDE.
HIS CHILDHOOD ON THE LOWER EAS
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 ABOU
SINGLE DOMINANT CULTURE.
BUT STILL, WHEN YOU THINK ABOU
THE INCREDIBLE MIGRATION BETWEEN
BUT STILL, WHEN YOU THINK ABOU
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 GE
TO GET A JOB AND LUCKIER TO GE
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 THA
FROM ONE TOWN IN SICILY WERE
COMING IN AND STAYING IN THA
ONE BUILDING, SO THAT 232 BECAME
COMING IN AND STAYING IN THA
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 BU
NOW, 241 ACROSS THE STREET, THE
SAME THING WAS HAPPENING BU
MAINLY FROM PEOPLE FROM POLIZZI,
SAME THING WAS HAPPENING BU
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 "DIFFEREN
DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES.
SHE USED THE PHRASE "DIFFEREN
NATIONALITIES."
SHE USED THE PHRASE "DIFFEREN
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 NO
Narrator: IN COMING TO NEW
YORK, THE IMMIGRANTS HAD NO
ONLY CROSSED AN OCEAN; THEY HAD,
YORK, THE IMMIGRANTS HAD NO
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 MOS
IN MOST CASES, EXCHANGED AN
ANCIENT WAY OF LIFE FOR THE MOS
MODERN AND FRENETIC ENVIRONMEN
ANCIENT WAY OF LIFE FOR THE MOS
MODERN AND FRENETIC ENVIRONMEN
ON EARTH.
MODERN AND FRENETIC ENVIRONMEN
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 THA
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 THA
FROM, IN MANY CASES, LIFE THA
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 DIFFEREN
OR POLAND IN WHICH LIFE WAS
REALLY NOT ALL THAT DIFFEREN
THAN IT HAD BEEN A COUPLE
REALLY NOT ALL THAT DIFFEREN
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 MOS
THEN YOU'RE COMING TO NEW YORK,
WHERE YOU'RE IN SORT OF THE MOS
MODERN CITY OF THE WORLD.
WHERE YOU'RE IN SORT OF THE MOS
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 I
THE OLD COUNTRY AND WHO LOST I
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 MOS
HEADS AND THE CAPACITY TO THINK.
AND HEGEL SAYS THAT'S THE MOS
IMPORTANT KIND OF CAPITAL FOR
AND HEGEL SAYS THAT'S THE MOS
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 WHA
DISCOVER THAT THIS WASN'T WHA
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 MOS
IMMIGRANTS.
Jackson: BY 1900, THE MOS
CROWDED NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE
Jackson: BY 1900, THE MOS
CROWDED NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE
WORLD ARE IN NEW YORK CITY,
CROWDED NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE
WORLD ARE IN NEW YORK CITY,
ESPECIALLY ON THE LOWER EAS
WORLD ARE IN NEW YORK CITY,
ESPECIALLY ON THE LOWER EAS
SIDE, BUT ALSO IN EAST HARLEM.
ESPECIALLY ON THE LOWER EAS
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 THA
WE DON'T NEED TO EXAGGERATE WHEN
WE SAY THAT IT'S POSSIBLE THA
HOUSING CONDITIONS IN NEW YORK
WE SAY THAT IT'S POSSIBLE THA
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
SOLD GOODS IN MINUTE QUANTITIES:
A SINGLE CANDLE, THE WING OF A
SOLD GOODS IN MINUTE QUANTITIES:
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.
A BIT OF ADVICE FOR YOU: DO NO
ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL.
A BIT OF ADVICE FOR YOU: DO NO
TAKE A MOMENT'S REST.
A BIT OF ADVICE FOR YOU: DO NO
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 NO
AMERICA, CALLED CHEEK.
DO NOT SAY, 'I CANNOT; I DO NO
KNOW.'"
DO NOT SAY, 'I CANNOT; I DO NO
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 WHA
ABOUT IMMIGRANT GROUPS AND WHA
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 WHA
CHAINS.
THEY CAME EXHILARATED BY WHA
WAS HERE, BY THE POSSIBILITY OF
THEY CAME EXHILARATED BY WHA
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 WHA
THE SPACE OF A SINGLE GENERATION
OR TWO, SO THAT NEW YORK IS WHA
IT WAS ADVERTISED.
OR TWO, SO THAT NEW YORK IS WHA
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 THA
FOOTHOLD IN THE LAND, TO CHANGE
FROM THAT PEASANT STATUS THA
YOU'D KNOWN, NEW YORK TURNS OU
FROM THAT PEASANT STATUS THA
YOU'D KNOWN, NEW YORK TURNS OU
TO BE THE BEST PLACE IN THE
YOU'D KNOWN, NEW YORK TURNS OU
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 GREA
PEOPLE MOVED, AND THE SUBWAY
THEN BECAME ONE OF THESE GREA
BINDING ELEMENTS IN THE CITY
THEN BECAME ONE OF THESE GREA
BINDING ELEMENTS IN THE CITY
THAT MOVED PEOPLE AROUND AND PU
BINDING ELEMENTS IN THE CITY
THAT MOVED PEOPLE AROUND AND PU
THEM UP AGAINST EACH OTHER.
THAT MOVED PEOPLE AROUND AND PU
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 FOUGH
UNTIL THEY STARTED MARRYING
THEM, AND THEN THEY BOTH FOUGH
THE JEWS UNTIL THEY STARTED
THEM, AND THEN THEY BOTH FOUGH
THE JEWS UNTIL THEY STARTED
MARRYING THEM.
Ruth J. Abram: IT'S A
CONSTANT NEGOTIATION: HOW MUCH
CONSTANT NEGOTIATION: 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 SE
FOR THE PARENTS, THIS IS WHO WE
ARE, AND THIS CONFLICT IS SE
UP.
ARE, AND THIS CONFLICT IS SE
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 BE.
WE SHALL LOVE AMERICA AND HELP
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 JEW OR IRISH?
IS HE RUSSIAN OR POLISH?
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 MOS
THE METROPOLIS, TRANSFORMING NEW
YORK ALONG THE WAY INTO THE MOS
MODERN CITY ON EARTH.
YORK ALONG THE WAY INTO THE MOS
MODERN CITY ON EARTH.
Wallace: ONE OF THE THINGS
MODERN CITY ON EARTH.
Wallace: ONE OF THE THINGS
THAT DROVE PEOPLE CRAZY WAS THA
Wallace: ONE OF THE THINGS
THAT DROVE PEOPLE CRAZY WAS THA
YOU'VE NOW GOT THIS HUGE GREATER
THAT DROVE PEOPLE CRAZY WAS THA
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
KNOW: YOU CAN WRITE A
IT'S LIKE HAMILTON SAID, YOU
KNOW: YOU CAN WRITE A
CONSTITUTION, BUT IT'S A PIECE
KNOW: 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, MOS
YOU KNOW, CONNECTIVITY.
WHAT YOU'VE GOT IS, MOS
DRAMATICALLY, THE SUBWAY SYSTEM.
WHAT YOU'VE GOT IS, MOS
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 SHOR
CONSOLIDATION REAL AND VIABLE.
HERE, WITHIN AN INCREDIBLY SHOR
SPACE OF TIME, THERE WERE AN
HERE, WITHIN AN INCREDIBLY SHOR
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 WITHOU
THE MODERN CITY AS WE KNOW IT IS
IMPOSSIBLE TO CONCEIVE WITHOU
THIS UNDERGROUND KIND OF TETHER
IMPOSSIBLE TO CONCEIVE WITHOU
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 CANNO
SEE.
WITHOUT THAT WHICH YOU CANNO
SEE, WHAT YOU CAN SEE WOULD BE
WITHOUT THAT WHICH YOU CANNO
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 MOS
TANGLE OF UNDERGROUND PIPES AND
CONDUITS, TO BUILD THE MOS
MODERN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM IN
CONDUITS, TO BUILD THE MOS
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 THA
WHAT WAS EXTRAORDINARY IS THA
THE SUBWAY SYSTEM WAS BUILT, A
THE SUBWAY SYSTEM WAS BUILT, A
LEAST THE HEART OF IT, IN JUS
LEAST THE HEART OF IT, IN JUS
FOUR YEARS, WHILE THE BUSIES
FOUR YEARS, WHILE THE BUSIES
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 MOS
Jackson: SO WHEN IT OPENS IN
1904, IT IS OVERNIGHT THE MOS
EXTENSIVE SUBWAY SYSTEM IN THE
1904, IT IS OVERNIGHT THE MOS
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 A
POWER, ROCKETING NORTH THROUGH
THE BLEECKER STREET STATION A
45 MILES AN HOUR.
THE BLEECKER STREET STATION A
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 A
THE OFFICIAL TRAIN MADE ITS RUN
EXACTLY ON TIME, ARRIVING A
146th STREET IN EXACTLY 26
EXACTLY ON TIME, ARRIVING A
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 LONGES
CITY.
EVEN NOW, YOU HAVE THE LONGES
SUBWAY RIDE IN THE WORLD.
EVEN NOW, YOU HAVE THE LONGES
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 FORGO
END OF THE SPRAWLING METROPOLIS
TO THE OTHER, PEOPLE SOON FORGO
WHAT LIFE HAD BEEN LIKE WITHOU
TO THE OTHER, PEOPLE SOON FORGO
WHAT LIFE HAD BEEN LIKE WITHOU
IT.
WHAT LIFE HAD BEEN LIKE WITHOU
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 GO
Wallace: FOR MANY, MANY
YEARS, MOST OF THE RAILROADS GO
TO THE HUDSON RIVER AND STOPPED
YEARS, MOST OF THE RAILROADS GO
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 GREA
Narrator: TO CROWN THE
ARRIVAL OF THE TWO GREA
RAILWAYS IN NEW YORK, TWIN
ARRIVAL OF THE TWO GREA
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 GREA
THE OLD DAYS ALL NIGHT LONG.
Stern: HERE IS THIS GREA
PUBLIC ROOM.
Stern: HERE IS THIS GREA
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 ANCIEN
IN THE CLASSICAL LANGUAGE.
IT WENT BACK DIRECTLY TO ANCIEN
ROME.
IT WENT BACK DIRECTLY TO ANCIEN
ROME.
IT WAS A LANGUAGE OF
ROME.
IT WAS A LANGUAGE OF
ARCHITECTURE THAT ALMOS
IT WAS A LANGUAGE OF
ARCHITECTURE THAT ALMOS
EVERYONE, AT LEAST FROM EUROPE
ARCHITECTURE THAT ALMOS
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 THA
WHO WAS AN IMMIGRANT TO AMERICA,
COULD UNDERSTAND, SO IN THA
SENSE IT WAS TRULY DEMOCRATIC.
COULD UNDERSTAND, SO IN THA
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 ATHWAR
GREAT, SLANTED BEAMS OF MOTED
LIGHT FELL PONDEROUSLY ATHWAR
THE STATION'S FLOOR, AND THE
LIGHT FELL PONDEROUSLY ATHWAR
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 THA
CALM VOICE OF TIME HOVERED ALONG
THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THA
MIGHTY ROOM, DISTILLED OUT OF
THE WALLS AND CEILING OF THA
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 BUSIES
TWO YEARS BEFORE, ELLIS ISLAND
HAD EXPERIENCED THE BUSIES
SINGLE DAY IN ITS HISTORY, WHEN
HAD EXPERIENCED THE BUSIES
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, EIGH
POPULATION WAS NOW FOREIGN-BORN.
IMMENSE NEW OCEAN LINERS, EIGH
STORIES TALL AND 800 FEET LONG,
IMMENSE NEW OCEAN LINERS, EIGH
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 A
HENRY HUDSON'S SHIP, THE HALF
MOON, HAD ONCE RIDDEN A
ANCHOR.
MOON, HAD ONCE RIDDEN A
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 TRIUMPHAN
CALLED THE HUDSON-FULTON
CELEBRATION, IT WAS A TRIUMPHAN
AFFIRMATION OF THE MIGHTY
CELEBRATION, IT WAS A TRIUMPHAN
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 FIRS
STREAMING IN AND OUT OF THE
HARBOR, AND TO CATCH THEIR FIRS
GLIMPSE OF AN AIRPLANE, PILOTED
HARBOR, AND TO CATCH THEIR FIRS
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 THA
Reader: "THE CITY WAS ONE
LONG BANNER OF LIGHT THA
SPARKLED AND SCINTILLATED IN THE
LONG BANNER OF LIGHT THA
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 HARVES
CRISP NIGHT AIR, PALING EVEN TO
INSIGNIFICANCE A MOON OF HARVES
SPLENDOR.
INSIGNIFICANCE A MOON OF HARVES
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 MIGH
ENOUGH TO SEND THEIR SHAFTS OF
MOLTEN SPLENDOR WHERE ALL MIGH
SEE, AND SEARCHLIGHTS ENOUGH TO
MOLTEN SPLENDOR WHERE ALL MIGH
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 CAPITALIS
PROTEST THE HEARTBREAKING
EXTREMES OF THE CAPITALIS
SYSTEM, AND THE FAILURE OF THE
EXTREMES OF THE CAPITALIS
SYSTEM, AND THE FAILURE OF THE
GOVERNMENT TO DO ANYTHING ABOU
SYSTEM, AND THE FAILURE OF THE
GOVERNMENT TO DO ANYTHING ABOU
THEM.
GOVERNMENT TO DO ANYTHING ABOU
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 GREA
IN A SOCIETY OF MODERN
INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES AND GREA
ECONOMIC INEQUALITY?
INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES AND GREA
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 GREATES
MANHATTAN, NEW YORKERS WOULD BE
FORCED TO CONFRONT THE GREATES
CHALLENGE OF THE INDUSTRIAL AGE.
FORCED TO CONFRONT THE GREATES
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 THA
TO DO SO WOULD CALL FOR AN
EFFORT FAR GREATER THAN THA
REQUIRED TO BUILD BRIDGES,
EFFORT FAR GREATER THAN THA
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 MOS
OF THEIR CITY AS A WHOLE.
BEFORE IT WAS OVER, THE MOS
HARROWING TRAGEDY OF THE
BEFORE IT WAS OVER, THE MOS
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 BROUGH
CLEAR BY THE TURN OF THE
CENTURY, A CRISIS THAT'S BROUGH
ON PARTLY BY JUST THE ENORMOUS
CENTURY, A CRISIS THAT'S BROUGH
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 VAS
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 THA
YOU WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT THA
WAY.
AND I THINK THERE WERE A LOT OF
AND I THINK THERE WERE A LOT OF
DIFFERENT POLITICAL GROUPS OU
THERE IN VARIOUS WAYS ALL, I
DIFFERENT POLITICAL GROUPS OU
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 MOVEMEN
CONSCIENCE OF A GENERATION.
YEAR AFTER YEAR, THE MOVEMEN
WIDENED, SPURRED ON BY SOCIALIS
YEAR AFTER YEAR, THE MOVEMEN
WIDENED, SPURRED ON BY SOCIALIS
LEADERS, MUCKRAKING JOURNALISTS,
WIDENED, SPURRED ON BY SOCIALIS
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 GE
FIRST IN THE WORLD TO SEND
PEOPLE OUT TO HELP FAMILIES GE
THROUGH PREGNANCIES AND CHILD
PEOPLE OUT TO HELP FAMILIES GE
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 I
SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT TO PUBLIC
HEALTH, AND IN FACT SPREADING I
AROUND.
HEALTH, AND IN FACT SPREADING I
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 NO
EYES ARE VERY MUCH TAXED, IF NO
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 GARMEN
THOUSANDS OF SMALL BUSINESSMEN,
MANY OF THEM RECENTLY GARMEN
WORKERS THEMSELVES WHO HAVE
MANY OF THEM RECENTLY GARMEN
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 GARMEN
AND BID AGAINST ONE ANOTHER FOR
CONTRACTS FROM BIG GARMEN
MANUFACTURERS OR DEPARTMEN
CONTRACTS FROM BIG GARMEN
MANUFACTURERS OR DEPARTMEN
STORES.
MANUFACTURERS OR DEPARTMEN
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 OU
WORKERS DOWN TO THE BARE
MINIMUM, YOU'RE GOING TO GO OU
OF BUSINESS.
MINIMUM, YOU'RE GOING TO GO OU
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
AS JEWISH WORKERS TRANSLATED
ITALIAN, THE HALL EXPLODED INTO
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 PICKE
SHIRTWAIST WORKERS LEFT THEIR
MACHINES AND MANNED THE PICKE
LINES.
MACHINES AND MANNED THE PICKE
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 CONFLIC
PAULINE NEWMAN.
Narrator: IT IS "A CONFLIC
BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEES,"
Narrator: IT IS "A CONFLIC
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 WHA
UNION OFFICIAL SAID, "WOULD
NEVER HOLD TOGETHER UNDER WHA
THESE GIRLS ARE ENDURING."
NEVER HOLD TOGETHER UNDER WHA
THESE GIRLS ARE ENDURING."
Wallace: THEY'RE UP AGAINS
THESE GIRLS ARE ENDURING."
Wallace: THEY'RE UP AGAINS
IT, BECAUSE TAMMANY, FOR
Wallace: THEY'RE UP AGAINS
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 BU
OF DECEMBER, THE UNION'S
FINANCIAL RESOURCES WERE ALL BU
EXHAUSTED, WHEN THE FLAME OF
FINANCIAL RESOURCES WERE ALL BU
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 PICKE
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 FIRS
20,000, 1909-1910, REALLY
REPRESENTS, I THINK, THE FIRS
MODERN SUCCESSFUL EFFORT TO
REPRESENTS, I THINK, THE FIRS
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' GARMEN
IT REALLY IS THE GENESIS OF THE
INTERNATIONAL LADIES' GARMEN
WORKERS UNION.
INTERNATIONAL LADIES' GARMEN
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 IMMIGRAN
POLITICAL POWER, AS WELL AS
UNION POWER OF THE IMMIGRAN
WORKING CLASS.
UNION POWER OF THE IMMIGRAN
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 LARGES
HAD BEEN WRUNG FROM THE FACTORY
OWNERS, AND SOME OF THE LARGES
FIRMS, LIKE THE BIG TRIANGLE
OWNERS, AND SOME OF THE LARGES
FIRMS, LIKE THE BIG TRIANGLE
SHIRTWAIST COMPANY ON THE EAS
FIRMS, LIKE THE BIG TRIANGLE
SHIRTWAIST COMPANY ON THE EAS
SIDE OF WASHINGTON SQUARE, HAD
SHIRTWAIST COMPANY ON THE EAS
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 OU
TRIANGLE FACTORY, WHOSE OWNERS
STILL DID NOTHING, POINTING OU
THAT, UNDER THE CITY CODE, THEIR
STILL DID NOTHING, POINTING OU
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 MUS
MINUTES LEFT IN THE WORKDAY,
SOMEONE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR MUS
HAVE DROPPED A MATCH OR BURNING
SOMEONE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR MUS
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 THA
APPARENTLY SOMEBODY DROPPED A
CIGARETTE INTO A DRAWER THA
HELD WHAT THEY CALLED REMNANTS,
CIGARETTE INTO A DRAWER THA
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 OU
LOCKED, ALLEGEDLY TO KEEP OU
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 I
THEIR FISTS.
SOME WERE TRYING TO TEAR I
OPEN."
SOME WERE TRYING TO TEAR I
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 AGAINS
DOORS, AND THERE ARE ACCOUNTS OF
BODIES BEING CRUSHED UP AGAINS
THE DOORS AND OF WOMEN TRYING TO
BODIES BEING CRUSHED UP AGAINS
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 HEA
HALF THAT NUMBER.
BUT BY 4:55, THE SEARING HEA
HAD FORCED THE LAST OF THE
BUT BY 4:55, THE SEARING HEA
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 A
CLOTHES.
ONE LITTLE GIRL, WHO WORKED A
THE MACHINE OPPOSITE ME, CRIED
ONE LITTLE GIRL, WHO WORKED A
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 MOS
CALL, RUSHING 35 VEHICLES TO THE
SCENE, ALONG WITH THE MOS
MODERN FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMEN
SCENE, ALONG WITH THE MOS
MODERN FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMEN
IN THE COUNTRY.
MODERN FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMEN
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 THA
THIS HEART-GRIPPING MOMENT THA
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 THA
LOOKED LIKE A BALE OF OLD
PASSERBY SAID SOMETHING THA
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 MUS
THROWING" AND IT WAS
BURNING AS IT FELL "THEY MUS
BE THROWING OUT THE BURNING
BURNING AS IT FELL "THEY MUS
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, BU
SOME WOULD TRY TO CLING TO THE
LEDGE WITH THEIR FINGERTIPS, BU
THEY COULDN'T.
LEDGE WITH THEIR FINGERTIPS, BU
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 THA
WERE IMPALED ON THE IRON FENCE,
AND PEOPLE WHO SAW IT SAID THA
THEY NEVER FORGOT IT; THAT I
AND PEOPLE WHO SAW IT SAID THA
THEY NEVER FORGOT IT; THAT I
WAS A SIGHT THAT BURNED ITSELF
THEY NEVER FORGOT IT; THAT I
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 BU
STANDING AT THE EIGHTH- AND
NINTH-FLOOR WINDOWS, ALL BU
ENGULFED BY THE INFERNO.
NINTH-FLOOR WINDOWS, ALL BU
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 A
ADVOCATE WITH THE CONSUMERS
LEAGUE, STOOD WITH HER HAND A
HER THROAT, HELPLESS TO STOP THE
LEAGUE, STOOD WITH HER HAND A
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 OU
ON THE STREET WAS OF BEDLAM AS
THOUSANDS OF WORKERS POURED OU
OF NEARBY FACTORIES AND PRESSED
THOUSANDS OF WORKERS POURED OU
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 ENGAGEMEN
AMONG THE REMAINS, THE
INSPECTORS FOUND 11 ENGAGEMEN
RINGS.
INSPECTORS FOUND 11 ENGAGEMEN
RINGS.
IN ALL, 146 PEOPLE TEENAGERS
RINGS.
IN ALL, 146 PEOPLE TEENAGERS
FOR THE MOST PART, IMMIGRAN
IN ALL, 146 PEOPLE TEENAGERS
FOR THE MOST PART, IMMIGRAN
GIRLS, SOME AS YOUNG AS 14 HAD
FOR THE MOST PART, IMMIGRAN
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 ABOU
SUGGEST SOMETHING HUMAN, AND
THERE WAS NOTHING HUMAN ABOU
MOST OF THESE WERE TAKEN IN A
THERE WAS NOTHING HUMAN ABOU
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 FEL
Reader: "A MASS EMOTION OF
SORROW AND DESPAIR WAS FEL
EVERYWHERE THAT DAY.
SORROW AND DESPAIR WAS FEL
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 MUS
QUESTIONING AND A DETERMINATION
THAT A SIMILAR TRAGEDY MUS
NEVER TAKE PLACE IN NEW YORK
THAT A SIMILAR TRAGEDY MUS
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 A
THAT THEY HAD ACTUALLY KNOWN
THAT THE EXIT DOOR WAS LOCKED A
THE EXACT TIME OF THE FIRE.
THAT THE EXIT DOOR WAS LOCKED A
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 MOS
SHIRTWAIST FACTORY FIRE WOULD
BEGIN TO ARISE ONE OF THE MOS
DRAMATIC AND FAR-REACHING
BEGIN TO ARISE ONE OF THE MOS
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 THA
MOMENT THAT THE CITY COULD NO
LONGER IGNORE THE REALITY THA
HAD BEEN WITH THE CITY FOR
LONGER IGNORE THE REALITY THA
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'
TO THE PAVEMENT.
YOU COULDN'T SAY, "THEY DON'
RELATE TO US."
YOU COULDN'T SAY, "THEY DON'
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 THA
HORROR OF THE BODIES, THE NUMBER
OF THE DEAD, HAD AN IMPACT THA
TRANSFORMED IT WAS A TURNING
OF THE DEAD, HAD AN IMPACT THA
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 EVEN
Wallace: THE TRIANGLE FIRE
CATASTROPHE, IT'S AN EPIC EVEN
IN THE DYNAMICS OF THE CITY'S
CATASTROPHE, IT'S AN EPIC EVEN
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, WHA
EVERYTHING ELSE.
IN THE IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH, WHA
HAPPENS IS A MASS MEETING OF
IN THE IMMEDIATE AFTERMATH, WHA
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'
DEMOGRAPHICS OF THE CITY WERE
CHANGING; THAT YOU COULDN'
SIMPLY WIN BY APPEALING TO THE
CHANGING; THAT YOU COULDN'
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 ABOU
ITALIANS, OTHER NEW IMMIGRANTS;
THAT YOU HAD TO WORRY ABOU
COMPETING POLITICIANS,
THAT YOU HAD TO WORRY ABOU
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 CLOSES
FOR AN INVESTIGATION, THEN
PLACED TWO OF HIS CLOSES
PROTEGES ON IT: ROBERT F.
PLACED TWO OF HIS CLOSES
PROTEGES ON IT: ROBERT F.
WAGNER, SR., THE LEADER OF THE
PROTEGES ON IT: 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 THA
THE GRUELING FOUR-YEAR-LONG
FACTORY INVESTIGATION THA
ENSUED WOULD MAKE SMITH'S
FACTORY INVESTIGATION THA
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 BU
STARTED TO TOUR THE STATE, AND
THE REFORMERS COULDN'T HELP BU
NOTICE THAT NO MATTER HOW HARD
THE REFORMERS COULDN'T HELP BU
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 A
CHILDREN UNDER 14 WOULD NOT BE
ALLOWED TO WORK IN FACTORIES A
ALL.
ALLOWED TO WORK IN FACTORIES A
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, BU
AT THE HEARTLAND OF IT ALL IS
INDEED SAFETY REGULATIONS, BU
THERE'S A TREMENDOUS RAFT OF NEW
INDEED SAFETY REGULATIONS, BU
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 ABOU
Czitrom: IN OTHER WORDS,
POLITICS IS NOT SIMPLY NOW ABOU
HELPING PEOPLE OUT WHEN THEY'RE
POLITICS IS NOT SIMPLY NOW ABOU
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 MOS
FACTORY BURNED."
Reader: "IS NEW YORK THE MOS
BEAUTIFUL CITY IN THE WORLD?
Reader: "IS NEW YORK THE MOS
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 GREA
CITY FROM HIGH WINDOWS.
IT IS THEN THAT THE GREA
BUILDINGS LOSE REALITY AND TAKE
IT IS THEN THAT THE GREA
BUILDINGS LOSE REALITY AND TAKE
ON MAGICAL POWERS.
BUILDINGS LOSE REALITY AND TAKE
ON MAGICAL POWERS.
SQUARES AND SQUARES OF FLAME SE
ON MAGICAL POWERS.
SQUARES AND SQUARES OF FLAME SE
AND CUT INTO THE ETHER.
SQUARES AND SQUARES OF FLAME SE
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, PRESIDEN
AT 7:30 PRECISELY, ON THE
EVENING OF APRIL 24, PRESIDEN
WOODROW WILSON PRESSED AN
EVENING OF APRIL 24, PRESIDEN
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 TALLES
RISING 60 STORIES AND NEARLY 800
FEET INTO THE SKY, THE TALLES
BUILDING IN THE WORLD BY FAR WAS
FEET INTO THE SKY, THE TALLES
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, SA
BRIDGE AND WHOSE ONLY DEGREE WAS
FROM THE FULTON FISH MARKET, SA
ANXIOUSLY IN THE BALLROOM OF THE
FROM THE FULTON FISH MARKET, SA
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 LARGES
LABOR REFORM MOVEMENT HAD BEEN
ELECTED GOVERNOR OF THE LARGES
AND MOST IMPORTANT STATE IN THE
ELECTED GOVERNOR OF THE LARGES
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 MEAN
Caro: WHEN HE WON THE
GOVERNORSHIP, IT REALLY MEAN
SOMETHING TO THE IRISH IN
GOVERNORSHIP, IT REALLY MEAN
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 BROUGH
WHEN SMITH WAS INAUGURATED, ALL
THE NIGHT BEFORE, TRAINS BROUGH
UP TO ALBANY THE IRISH
THE NIGHT BEFORE, TRAINS BROUGH
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, JUBILAN
GOOD FORTUNE.
ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE, JUBILAN
IMMIGRANT VOTERS, IRISH AND NON-
ON THE LOWER EAST SIDE, JUBILAN
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 MEE
GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS, THE
POLICIES OF THE STATE, TO MEE
THEIR NEEDS AND MAKE THEM A
POLICIES OF THE STATE, TO MEE
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 I
EFFECT PUT WHITMAN'S VERSES INTO
A POLITICAL SLOGAN, BECAUSE I
WAS ALFRED E. SMITH WHO SAID,
A POLITICAL SLOGAN, BECAUSE I
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.