American Experience (1988) s14e01 Episode Script

1
READER: "The contemporary
city is profoundly menaced, not
by any outside danger, but by an
city is profoundly menaced, not
by any outside danger, but by an
evil shaping within itself.
By any outside danger, but by an
evil shaping within itself.
This is the evil of the machine.
Evil shaping within itself.
This is the evil of the machine.
Because of the confusion of its
This is the evil of the machine.
Because of the confusion of its
different functions, its growing
Because of the confusion of its
different functions, its growing
mechanization, the omnipresence
different functions, its growing
mechanization, the omnipresence
and anarchy of the motorcar, the
mechanization, the omnipresence
and anarchy of the motorcar, the
city is at the mercy of
and anarchy of the motorcar, the
city is at the mercy of
industrial machines.
City is at the mercy of
industrial machines.
If it is to be saved, its
industrial machines.
If it is to be saved, its
structure must change.
If it is to be saved, its
structure must change.
And this change is inevitable,
structure must change.
And this change is inevitable,
whether it comes through insight
And this change is inevitable,
whether it comes through insight
or catastrophe.
Whether it comes through insight
or catastrophe.
The city must be changed or it
or catastrophe.
The city must be changed or it
will perish, and our
The city must be changed or it
will perish, and our
civilization with it."
will perish, and our
civilization with it."
Sigfried Giedion.
Civilization with it."
Sigfried Giedion.
NARRATOR: All through the
Sigfried Giedion.
NARRATOR: All through the
'20s' giddy upward rise, New
NARRATOR: All through the
'20s' giddy upward rise, New
Yorkers had been pursuing
'20s' giddy upward rise, New
Yorkers had been pursuing
another kind of dream, not only
Yorkers had been pursuing
another kind of dream, not only
upward, but out, into the
another kind of dream, not only
upward, but out, into the
"expanse of green and blue"
upward, but out, into the
"expanse of green and blue"
that, as F. Scott Fitzgerald had
"expanse of green and blue"
that, as F. Scott Fitzgerald had
seen, "alone was limitless."
that, as F. Scott Fitzgerald had
seen, "alone was limitless."
Propelled by the rising
seen, "alone was limitless."
Propelled by the rising
prosperity and restlessness of
Propelled by the rising
prosperity and restlessness of
New Yorkers and by the
prosperity and restlessness of
New Yorkers and by the
revolutionary invention that
New Yorkers and by the
revolutionary invention that
since the turn of the century
revolutionary invention that
since the turn of the century
had become the shining emblem of
since the turn of the century
had become the shining emblem of
both, this fateful movement
had become the shining emblem of
both, this fateful movement
beyond the boundaries of Greater
both, this fateful movement
beyond the boundaries of Greater
New York would alter forever the
beyond the boundaries of Greater
New York would alter forever the
relation of the city and the
New York would alter forever the
relation of the city and the
country and challenge all
relation of the city and the
country and challenge all
previous assumptions about urban
country and challenge all
previous assumptions about urban
life.
Previous assumptions about urban
life.
RAY SUAREZ: The car
life.
RAY SUAREZ: The car
disaggregates.
RAY SUAREZ: The car
disaggregates.
The car unravels tight, closely
disaggregates.
The car unravels tight, closely
knit, interdependent urban
The car unravels tight, closely
knit, interdependent urban
regions because it makes place
knit, interdependent urban
regions because it makes place
less relevant.
Regions because it makes place
less relevant.
With a car, it doesn't matter
less relevant.
With a car, it doesn't matter
where someplace is.
So this relatively static, this
relatively rigid grid of streets
relatively rigid grid of streets
and buildings and railroad
and buildings and railroad
tracks has to somehow respond to
tracks has to somehow respond to
this thing which is hungry and
this thing which is hungry and
demanding, forces changes on the
demanding, forces changes on the
landscape.
So the car takes pride of place
So the car takes pride of place
among the variables that are
going to place demands on the
among the variables that are
going to place demands on the
city.
Going to place demands on the
city.
The car is the whole story.
City.
The car is the whole story.
NARRATOR: In the decades to
The car is the whole story.
NARRATOR: In the decades to
come, as the city moved through
NARRATOR: In the decades to
come, as the city moved through
depression, world war, and
come, as the city moved through
depression, world war, and
beyond, New York would become
depression, world war, and
beyond, New York would become
the arena of a titanic contest
beyond, New York would become
the arena of a titanic contest
between the automobile and the
the arena of a titanic contest
between the automobile and the
pedestrian, between the highway
between the automobile and the
pedestrian, between the highway
and the city block, between the
pedestrian, between the highway
and the city block, between the
compact if often congested urban
and the city block, between the
compact if often congested urban
neighborhood and the sprawling
compact if often congested urban
neighborhood and the sprawling
if often anonymous commuter
neighborhood and the sprawling
if often anonymous commuter
suburb.
If often anonymous commuter
suburb.
Before it was over, that contest
suburb.
Before it was over, that contest
would all but tear the city
Before it was over, that contest
would all but tear the city
apart and force New Yorkers to
would all but tear the city
apart and force New Yorkers to
confront the most elemental
apart and force New Yorkers to
confront the most elemental
urban questions of all.
Confront the most elemental
urban questions of all.
What is a city?
Urban questions of all.
What is a city?
What makes cities work?
What is a city?
What makes cities work?
Why should there be cities at
What makes cities work?
Why should there be cities at
all?
Why should there be cities at
all?
ROBERT A.M. STERN: No city as
all?
ROBERT A.M. STERN: No city as
complex as New York, no city
ROBERT A.M. STERN: No city as
complex as New York, no city
that builds itself and rebuilds
complex as New York, no city
that builds itself and rebuilds
itself so often and often so
that builds itself and rebuilds
itself so often and often so
well has a high point, has a
itself so often and often so
well has a high point, has a
magic moment.
New York is a constellation of
magic moments.
Magic moments.
What is astonishing about New
What is astonishing about New
York is how many of the magic
York is how many of the magic
moments of the past have managed
moments of the past have managed
to survive.
We have lost a lot, but we've
We have lost a lot, but we've
saved an awful lot.
What are the magic moments of
saved an awful lot.
What are the magic moments of
the 19th century?
What are the magic moments of
the 19th century?
The optimism of the city hall,
the 19th century?
The optimism of the city hall,
that sophisticated, French-
The optimism of the city hall,
that sophisticated, French-
inspired building.
That sophisticated, French-
inspired building.
What is another optimism?
Inspired building.
What is another optimism?
The Brooklyn Bridge.
What is another optimism?
The Brooklyn Bridge.
It's still there.
The Brooklyn Bridge.
It's still there.
What a leap the Brooklyn Bridge
It's still there.
What a leap the Brooklyn Bridge
was.
What a leap the Brooklyn Bridge
was.
What a leap Commissioners'
was.
What a leap Commissioners'
Plan was, and it's still intact
What a leap Commissioners'
Plan was, and it's still intact
pretty much.
Plan was, and it's still intact
pretty much.
What a vision Central Park was,
pretty much.
What a vision Central Park was,
and it's there.
What a vision Central Park was,
and it's there.
It's more beautiful now than
and it's there.
It's more beautiful now than
it's been perhaps since the time
It's more beautiful now than
it's been perhaps since the time
of Olmsted.
It's been perhaps since the time
of Olmsted.
Add to that these incredible
of Olmsted.
Add to that these incredible
office buildings that were
Add to that these incredible
office buildings that were
built, which concluded with some
office buildings that were
built, which concluded with some
kind of visible symbol at the
built, which concluded with some
kind of visible symbol at the
top.
Kind of visible symbol at the
top.
So I don't think we should think
top.
So I don't think we should think
of New York as being a closed
So I don't think we should think
of New York as being a closed
book.
Of New York as being a closed
book.
I mean, New York could be said
book.
I mean, New York could be said
to be like one of those
I mean, New York could be said
to be like one of those
incredible things you see in a
to be like one of those
incredible things you see in a
Fourth of July fireworks that
incredible things you see in a
Fourth of July fireworks that
just goes, boom, boom, boom, and
Fourth of July fireworks that
just goes, boom, boom, boom, and
it keeps going.
Just goes, boom, boom, boom, and
it keeps going.
We don't know how many layers of
it keeps going.
We don't know how many layers of
that explosion will happen
We don't know how many layers of
that explosion will happen
before it all peters out.
That explosion will happen
before it all peters out.
And we, of course, hope that it
before it all peters out.
And we, of course, hope that it
will never peter out.
And we, of course, hope that it
will never peter out.
New York is that explosion.
Will never peter out.
New York is that explosion.
NARRATOR: By the autumn of
New York is that explosion.
NARRATOR: By the autumn of
1929, as the most spectacular
NARRATOR: By the autumn of
1929, as the most spectacular
decade in the history of the
1929, as the most spectacular
decade in the history of the
city came to a breathtaking
decade in the history of the
city came to a breathtaking
close, New York seemed to have
city came to a breathtaking
close, New York seemed to have
arrived at the very zenith of
close, New York seemed to have
arrived at the very zenith of
its dazzling career.
Arrived at the very zenith of
its dazzling career.
In 300 years, it had grown from
its dazzling career.
In 300 years, it had grown from
a tiny trading post on the far
In 300 years, it had grown from
a tiny trading post on the far
edge of the known world to
a tiny trading post on the far
edge of the known world to
become the undisputed cultural
edge of the known world to
become the undisputed cultural
and economic capital of the
become the undisputed cultural
and economic capital of the
world.
And economic capital of the
world.
Gathering in money and people
world.
Gathering in money and people
from around the globe, it had
Gathering in money and people
from around the globe, it had
made itself one of the
from around the globe, it had
made itself one of the
wealthiest and most densely
made itself one of the
wealthiest and most densely
populated places on earth, its
wealthiest and most densely
populated places on earth, its
population rising from fewer
populated places on earth, its
population rising from fewer
than 5,000 in 1776 to nearly
population rising from fewer
than 5,000 in 1776 to nearly
seven million a century and a
than 5,000 in 1776 to nearly
seven million a century and a
half later.
Seven million a century and a
half later.
Consecrated as no place on earth
half later.
Consecrated as no place on earth
to the power of commerce and
Consecrated as no place on earth
to the power of commerce and
money and unbeholden to any
to the power of commerce and
money and unbeholden to any
outside force, it had made
money and unbeholden to any
outside force, it had made
itself the supreme center of
outside force, it had made
itself the supreme center of
American life, then, in one last
itself the supreme center of
American life, then, in one last
glorious decade, from 1919 to
American life, then, in one last
glorious decade, from 1919 to
1929, finished bringing into
glorious decade, from 1919 to
1929, finished bringing into
existence a ravishing dream city
1929, finished bringing into
existence a ravishing dream city
on the island of Manhattan,
existence a ravishing dream city
on the island of Manhattan,
which had become the most modern
on the island of Manhattan,
which had become the most modern
place on earth.
Which had become the most modern
place on earth.
READER: "One is stunned at
place on earth.
READER: "One is stunned at
the sight of these upright
READER: "One is stunned at
the sight of these upright
masses, buildings 50 stories
the sight of these upright
masses, buildings 50 stories
high, straight lines everywhere,
masses, buildings 50 stories
high, straight lines everywhere,
affirming the will to make room
high, straight lines everywhere,
affirming the will to make room
for millions.
Affirming the will to make room
for millions.
This is not an architecture for
for millions.
This is not an architecture for
men.
This is not an architecture for
men.
It is an architecture for human
men.
It is an architecture for human
masses.
It is an architecture for human
masses.
One cannot understand it without
masses.
One cannot understand it without
first having enjoyed the thrill
One cannot understand it without
first having enjoyed the thrill
of adding enormous totals and of
first having enjoyed the thrill
of adding enormous totals and of
living in a gigantic, compact,
of adding enormous totals and of
living in a gigantic, compact,
and brilliant world."
living in a gigantic, compact,
and brilliant world."
NARRATOR: In the end, the
and brilliant world."
NARRATOR: In the end, the
fever pitch of the 1920s,
NARRATOR: In the end, the
fever pitch of the 1920s,
acknowledging no limits and
fever pitch of the 1920s,
acknowledging no limits and
building higher and higher,
acknowledging no limits and
building higher and higher,
could never have been sustained,
building higher and higher,
could never have been sustained,
as if, like Icarus, the city had
could never have been sustained,
as if, like Icarus, the city had
flown too close to the sun and
as if, like Icarus, the city had
flown too close to the sun and
then come tumbling back to earth
flown too close to the sun and
then come tumbling back to earth
again.
Then come tumbling back to earth
again.
In the years following the crash
again.
In the years following the crash
of 1929, as the greatest
In the years following the crash
of 1929, as the greatest
depression in American history
of 1929, as the greatest
depression in American history
plunged the city and nation into
depression in American history
plunged the city and nation into
economic gloom, two things would
plunged the city and nation into
economic gloom, two things would
become fatefully clear.
Economic gloom, two things would
become fatefully clear.
The city itself, acting on its
become fatefully clear.
The city itself, acting on its
own, could no longer meet the
The city itself, acting on its
own, could no longer meet the
needs of its own people.
Own, could no longer meet the
needs of its own people.
And unfettered capitalism in New
needs of its own people.
And unfettered capitalism in New
York, in a century and a half of
And unfettered capitalism in New
York, in a century and a half of
relentless commercial growth,
York, in a century and a half of
relentless commercial growth,
had been carried to its very
relentless commercial growth,
had been carried to its very
limit.
Had been carried to its very
limit.
In the years to come, as the
limit.
In the years to come, as the
greatest domestic crisis of the
In the years to come, as the
greatest domestic crisis of the
20th century swept across the
greatest domestic crisis of the
20th century swept across the
city and the nation, New Yorkers
20th century swept across the
city and the nation, New Yorkers
would be forced to reinvent
city and the nation, New Yorkers
would be forced to reinvent
their city once again on a
would be forced to reinvent
their city once again on a
massive scale, moving as they
their city once again on a
massive scale, moving as they
did into uncharted waters from
massive scale, moving as they
did into uncharted waters from
which there would be no return.
Did into uncharted waters from
which there would be no return.
Between 1929 and 1945, as
which there would be no return.
Between 1929 and 1945, as
immense new forces were
Between 1929 and 1945, as
immense new forces were
unleashed in New York, altering
immense new forces were
unleashed in New York, altering
forever the relation of the city
unleashed in New York, altering
forever the relation of the city
and the country, two of the most
forever the relation of the city
and the country, two of the most
remarkable New Yorkers of all
and the country, two of the most
remarkable New Yorkers of all
time would come to the fore
Remarkable New Yorkers of all
time would come to the fore
Fiorello La Guardia and Robert
time would come to the fore
Fiorello La Guardia and Robert
Moses and attempt to create in
Fiorello La Guardia and Robert
Moses and attempt to create in
the darkest of times a bold new
Moses and attempt to create in
the darkest of times a bold new
city of the future.
KENNETH T. JACKSON: It's
strange to think how these two
strange to think how these two
powerful figures Fiorello La
powerful figures Fiorello La
Guardia and Robert Moses
Guardia and Robert Moses
Interacted, I mean, physically
interacted, I mean, physically
so different, La Guardia
so different, La Guardia
celebrating difference, loving
celebrating difference, loving
the tumble and the tide of the
the tumble and the tide of the
city, Robert Moses trying to
city, Robert Moses trying to
bring order to it.
But in some ways, they were able
But in some ways, they were able
to work together.
And I think you can't help but
to work together.
And I think you can't help but
look at New York in the 1930s
And I think you can't help but
look at New York in the 1930s
and marvel at the things that
look at New York in the 1930s
and marvel at the things that
were built during the Great
and marvel at the things that
were built during the Great
Depression: the new parks and
were built during the Great
Depression: the new parks and
playgrounds, the swimming pools,
Depression: the new parks and
playgrounds, the swimming pools,
the roads, the beaches.
Playgrounds, the swimming pools,
the roads, the beaches.
It was a time of achievement, a
the roads, the beaches.
It was a time of achievement, a
greater period of achievement
It was a time of achievement, a
greater period of achievement
than what we have seen at the
greater period of achievement
than what we have seen at the
end of the 20th century, when we
than what we have seen at the
end of the 20th century, when we
were so much more affluent and
end of the 20th century, when we
were so much more affluent and
the economy is booming.
Were so much more affluent and
the economy is booming.
READER: "New cities have
the economy is booming.
READER: "New cities have
always replaced old cities by
READER: "New cities have
always replaced old cities by
periods, but today it is
always replaced old cities by
periods, but today it is
possible for the city of modern
periods, but today it is
possible for the city of modern
times, the happy city, the
possible for the city of modern
times, the happy city, the
radiant city to be born."
times, the happy city, the
radiant city to be born."
Le Corbusier.
BRENDAN GILL: We had
immensely increased the range of
immensely increased the range of
our dreams for ourselves in the
our dreams for ourselves in the
'20s, and that was why the Great
'20s, and that was why the Great
Depression was a terrible
Depression was a terrible
psychological shock to people.
It led to what amounted to
It led to what amounted to
almost to a clinical depression
on the part of the American
almost to a clinical depression
on the part of the American
people.
On the part of the American
people.
They could not believe that we
people.
They could not believe that we
had stumbled and fallen.
They could not believe that we
had stumbled and fallen.
NARRATOR: There had been
had stumbled and fallen.
NARRATOR: There had been
downturns before, boom times
NARRATOR: There had been
downturns before, boom times
that went bust, followed by
downturns before, boom times
that went bust, followed by
years of hardship, want, and
that went bust, followed by
years of hardship, want, and
misery, but there had never been
years of hardship, want, and
misery, but there had never been
anything like the Great
misery, but there had never been
anything like the Great
Depression of the 1930s.
Anything like the Great
Depression of the 1930s.
On the eve of the crash, fewer
Depression of the 1930s.
On the eve of the crash, fewer
than two million people were
On the eve of the crash, fewer
than two million people were
unemployed in the United States.
Than two million people were
unemployed in the United States.
Less than two years later, the
unemployed in the United States.
Less than two years later, the
number had risen to more than
Less than two years later, the
number had risen to more than
eight million, and a year after
number had risen to more than
eight million, and a year after
that to 13 million nearly a
eight million, and a year after
that to 13 million nearly a
third of the nation's workforce.
That to 13 million nearly a
third of the nation's workforce.
Nowhere in the country were the
third of the nation's workforce.
Nowhere in the country were the
effects more visible or more
Nowhere in the country were the
effects more visible or more
heartbreaking than in New York,
effects more visible or more
heartbreaking than in New York,
where, by 1931, the greatest
heartbreaking than in New York,
where, by 1931, the greatest
economic engine on earth had all
where, by 1931, the greatest
economic engine on earth had all
but ground to a halt.
Economic engine on earth had all
but ground to a halt.
MIKE WALLACE: What's
but ground to a halt.
MIKE WALLACE: What's
fascinating is that the bottom
MIKE WALLACE: What's
fascinating is that the bottom
doesn't drop out suddenly.
Fascinating is that the bottom
doesn't drop out suddenly.
The crash leads to a slow
doesn't drop out suddenly.
The crash leads to a slow
toppling effect.
The crash leads to a slow
toppling effect.
You know, they don't have a
toppling effect.
You know, they don't have a
sense that the world has
You know, they don't have a
sense that the world has
transformed and that things have
sense that the world has
transformed and that things have
changed irrevocably.
Transformed and that things have
changed irrevocably.
But slowly it takes hold.
Changed irrevocably.
But slowly it takes hold.
Obviously, one of the first
But slowly it takes hold.
Obviously, one of the first
things that gets hit is the
Obviously, one of the first
things that gets hit is the
financial sector.
And then the ripple effect in
terms of business services
terms of business services
spreads out from that.
The manufacturing sector is hit
The manufacturing sector is hit
extremely hard.
Huge numbers of people are
extremely hard.
Huge numbers of people are
either laid off in the garment
Huge numbers of people are
either laid off in the garment
business or in fact their wages
either laid off in the garment
business or in fact their wages
are cut in half.
Business or in fact their wages
are cut in half.
JOSH FREEMAN: And industry
are cut in half.
JOSH FREEMAN: And industry
after industry, from garment
JOSH FREEMAN: And industry
after industry, from garment
manufacturing to construction,
after industry, from garment
manufacturing to construction,
kind of implode and in some
manufacturing to construction,
kind of implode and in some
cases really almost totally
kind of implode and in some
cases really almost totally
cease economic activity.
Cases really almost totally
cease economic activity.
And you have to remember this is
cease economic activity.
And you have to remember this is
before unemployment insurance,
And you have to remember this is
before unemployment insurance,
before any systematic
before unemployment insurance,
before any systematic
government-relief system.
And yet, it's already past the
era when people could go back to
era when people could go back to
the land, and certainly in New
the land, and certainly in New
York City very few people had
York City very few people had
organic relationships with, you
organic relationships with, you
know, land.
WALLACE: The consequences are
WALLACE: The consequences are
as they always are, that money
isn't coming in.
As they always are, that money
isn't coming in.
People can't make the rent.
Isn't coming in.
People can't make the rent.
There are massive evictions.
People can't make the rent.
There are massive evictions.
People begin to sort of crop up
There are massive evictions.
People begin to sort of crop up
in encampments in parks, on the
People begin to sort of crop up
in encampments in parks, on the
river's edge, in old auto dumps,
in encampments in parks, on the
river's edge, in old auto dumps,
around town.
River's edge, in old auto dumps,
around town.
Bread lines begin to form.
Around town.
Bread lines begin to form.
READER: "December 24, 1931.
Bread lines begin to form.
READER: "December 24, 1931.
Every day, one sees the
READER: "December 24, 1931.
Every day, one sees the
degrading misery of bread lines.
Every day, one sees the
degrading misery of bread lines.
Every day, one is told that this
degrading misery of bread lines.
Every day, one is told that this
great industry and that, from
Every day, one is told that this
great industry and that, from
railroads to publishing, is
great industry and that, from
railroads to publishing, is
collapsing.
Railroads to publishing, is
collapsing.
The building slump spreads.
Collapsing.
The building slump spreads.
In New York, the most salient
The building slump spreads.
In New York, the most salient
new structure, the magnificent
In New York, the most salient
new structure, the magnificent
Empire State, stands unlet and
new structure, the magnificent
Empire State, stands unlet and
can only pay its taxes by
Empire State, stands unlet and
can only pay its taxes by
collecting dollars from the
can only pay its taxes by
collecting dollars from the
sightseers who ascend to its
collecting dollars from the
sightseers who ascend to its
aerie for the stupendous view.
Sightseers who ascend to its
aerie for the stupendous view.
Stories of failing banks,
aerie for the stupendous view.
Stories of failing banks,
turned-in motorcars, despairing
Stories of failing banks,
turned-in motorcars, despairing
suicides are dinned into one's
turned-in motorcars, despairing
suicides are dinned into one's
ears."
suicides are dinned into one's
ears."
Mary Agnes Hamilton.
Ears."
Mary Agnes Hamilton.
READER: "You turn a corner
Mary Agnes Hamilton.
READER: "You turn a corner
and here is a surprising
READER: "You turn a corner
and here is a surprising
spectacle: a line of men, three
and here is a surprising
spectacle: a line of men, three
or sometimes four abreast, a
spectacle: a line of men, three
or sometimes four abreast, a
block long and wedged together
or sometimes four abreast, a
block long and wedged together
so tightly that no passerby can
block long and wedged together
so tightly that no passerby can
break through.
So tightly that no passerby can
break through.
Those at the head of this gray-
break through.
Those at the head of this gray-
black human snake will eat
Those at the head of this gray-
black human snake will eat
tonight.
Black human snake will eat
tonight.
Those farther back probably
tonight.
Those farther back probably
won't."
Those farther back probably
won't."
Bruce Bliven.
Won't."
Bruce Bliven.
ROBERT A. CARO: 1,600,000
Bruce Bliven.
ROBERT A. CARO: 1,600,000
people in New York of the city's
ROBERT A. CARO: 1,600,000
people in New York of the city's
population of 6,900,000
People in New York of the city's
population of 6,900,000
1,600,000 people were on relief
population of 6,900,000
1,600,000 people were on relief
rolls.
1,600,000 people were on relief
rolls.
That's mothers, fathers, and
rolls.
That's mothers, fathers, and
children.
If you look down on Riverside
Park, which we were talking
Park, which we were talking
about, that's where the city
about, that's where the city
dumped its garbage and there
dumped its garbage and there
were huge mounds of garbage at
were huge mounds of garbage at
96th and 125th Street.
And you would see scores
And you would see scores
hundreds of women and children.
Whenever the trucks would come
hundreds of women and children.
Whenever the trucks would come
and dump the garbage, the
Whenever the trucks would come
and dump the garbage, the
children and mothers would run
and dump the garbage, the
children and mothers would run
to try and get some kind of food
children and mothers would run
to try and get some kind of food
out of there.
To try and get some kind of food
out of there.
JOHN STEELE GORDON: It was
out of there.
JOHN STEELE GORDON: It was
terrible in New York City.
JOHN STEELE GORDON: It was
terrible in New York City.
In the country, at least you can
terrible in New York City.
In the country, at least you can
usually find something to eat.
But there were Hoovervilles in
Central Park.
Central Park.
In fact, my the sheep that
In fact, my the sheep that
grazed on the sheep meadow that
grazed on the sheep meadow that
had been donated by my great-
had been donated by my great-
great-great-grandfather, named
great-great-grandfather, named
George Coggle he'd given the
George Coggle he'd given the
sheep to Central Park in the
sheep to Central Park in the
1860s and the herd had stayed
1860s and the herd had stayed
there until 1934, when they were
there until 1934, when they were
moved upstate to the city's farm
moved upstate to the city's farm
in the Catskills because the
in the Catskills because the
city was afraid that the people
city was afraid that the people
living in the Hoovervilles would
living in the Hoovervilles would
look upon the sheep as lunch
look upon the sheep as lunch
more than as a touch of the
more than as a touch of the
bucolic.
NARRATOR: By 1931, tens of
NARRATOR: By 1931, tens of
thousands of New Yorkers had
been evicted from their homes.
Thousands of New Yorkers had
been evicted from their homes.
Those that could doubled up with
been evicted from their homes.
Those that could doubled up with
family and friends, but
Those that could doubled up with
family and friends, but
thousands more, unable to find
family and friends, but
thousands more, unable to find
any housing at all, sought what
thousands more, unable to find
any housing at all, sought what
shelter they could find in one
any housing at all, sought what
shelter they could find in one
of the dismal shantytowns that
shelter they could find in one
of the dismal shantytowns that
had begun to spring up along the
of the dismal shantytowns that
had begun to spring up along the
East River and the Hudson and in
had begun to spring up along the
East River and the Hudson and in
Central Park called Hoovervilles
East River and the Hudson and in
Central Park called Hoovervilles
in ironic tribute to the
Central Park called Hoovervilles
in ironic tribute to the
president.
In ironic tribute to the
president.
MAN: Well, we're here because
president.
MAN: Well, we're here because
there's no work to be found.
MAN: Well, we're here because
there's no work to be found.
We came down to the Hudson and
there's no work to be found.
We came down to the Hudson and
seen the lumber floating in the
We came down to the Hudson and
seen the lumber floating in the
river, so we thought of building
seen the lumber floating in the
river, so we thought of building
a shack.
River, so we thought of building
a shack.
So we built one so we are not a
a shack.
So we built one so we are not a
burden on the community.
So we built one so we are not a
burden on the community.
We have no rent to pay whatever.
Burden on the community.
We have no rent to pay whatever.
MAN: We haven't got no work.
We have no rent to pay whatever.
MAN: We haven't got no work.
We can't get no work.
MAN: We haven't got no work.
We can't get no work.
We're looking for work can't
We can't get no work.
We're looking for work can't
get no work, but we will find
We're looking for work can't
get no work, but we will find
some in the future.
Get no work, but we will find
some in the future.
NARRATOR: Month after month,
some in the future.
NARRATOR: Month after month,
as the economic situation
NARRATOR: Month after month,
as the economic situation
continued to deteriorate, calls
as the economic situation
continued to deteriorate, calls
for government action grew
continued to deteriorate, calls
for government action grew
louder.
For government action grew
louder.
In Harlem and in the Bronx,
louder.
In Harlem and in the Bronx,
where one in three workers in
In Harlem and in the Bronx,
where one in three workers in
the garment industry had been
where one in three workers in
the garment industry had been
laid off, thousands of
the garment industry had been
laid off, thousands of
protesters took to the streets,
laid off, thousands of
protesters took to the streets,
while across the city rent
protesters took to the streets,
while across the city rent
strikes broke out, along with
while across the city rent
strikes broke out, along with
political demonstrations of
strikes broke out, along with
political demonstrations of
every kind, sometimes escalating
political demonstrations of
every kind, sometimes escalating
into pitched battles with the
every kind, sometimes escalating
into pitched battles with the
police.
Into pitched battles with the
police.
CHERYL GREENBERG: The
police.
CHERYL GREENBERG: The
devastation was so broad and
CHERYL GREENBERG: The
devastation was so broad and
reached so high that had it just
devastation was so broad and
reached so high that had it just
been a manufacturing crisis so
reached so high that had it just
been a manufacturing crisis so
that unskilled laborers were out
been a manufacturing crisis so
that unskilled laborers were out
of work, I'm not convinced that
that unskilled laborers were out
of work, I'm not convinced that
everyone would have noticed.
Of work, I'm not convinced that
everyone would have noticed.
But everyone saw in the
everyone would have noticed.
But everyone saw in the
depression either someone they
But everyone saw in the
depression either someone they
knew or the likelihood that
depression either someone they
knew or the likelihood that
someone they knew would end up
knew or the likelihood that
someone they knew would end up
there.
It seemed very clearly out of
people's own hands, and I think
people's own hands, and I think
that did propel a kind of
that did propel a kind of
communal commitment.
READER: "The temporary
READER: "The temporary
bureaucracies of relief thrown
up by the crisis have all the
bureaucracies of relief thrown
up by the crisis have all the
character of a frail
up by the crisis have all the
character of a frail
expeditionary force sent into a
character of a frail
expeditionary force sent into a
war that is expected to last
expeditionary force sent into a
war that is expected to last
only three months and which has
war that is expected to last
only three months and which has
become instead a world war.
Only three months and which has
become instead a world war.
Their theory is still
become instead a world war.
Their theory is still
essentially that of charitably
Their theory is still
essentially that of charitably
helping bums and weaklings over
essentially that of charitably
helping bums and weaklings over
the rough places rather than
helping bums and weaklings over
the rough places rather than
mass cut down by a kind of
the rough places rather than
mass cut down by a kind of
economic massacre."
mass cut down by a kind of
economic massacre."
The New Republic.
Economic massacre."
The New Republic.
NARRATOR: Under Herbert
The New Republic.
NARRATOR: Under Herbert
Hoover, federal authorities had
NARRATOR: Under Herbert
Hoover, federal authorities had
all but washed their hands of
Hoover, federal authorities had
all but washed their hands of
responsibility for the growing
all but washed their hands of
responsibility for the growing
number of destitute Americans.
Responsibility for the growing
number of destitute Americans.
New York State itself, under
number of destitute Americans.
New York State itself, under
Governor Franklin Roosevelt, had
New York State itself, under
Governor Franklin Roosevelt, had
been among the first to respond
Governor Franklin Roosevelt, had
been among the first to respond
with large-scale relief
been among the first to respond
with large-scale relief
programs, but little of the
with large-scale relief
programs, but little of the
money that passed through city
programs, but little of the
money that passed through city
hall reached the people for whom
money that passed through city
hall reached the people for whom
it had been intended, as Tammany
hall reached the people for whom
it had been intended, as Tammany
officials pocketed most of the
it had been intended, as Tammany
officials pocketed most of the
funds, then made sure most of
officials pocketed most of the
funds, then made sure most of
the rest was distributed to
funds, then made sure most of
the rest was distributed to
party regulars.
The rest was distributed to
party regulars.
CARO: New York then was a
party regulars.
CARO: New York then was a
city utterly unable to meet the
CARO: New York then was a
city utterly unable to meet the
needs of its people in almost
city utterly unable to meet the
needs of its people in almost
every respect.
Needs of its people in almost
every respect.
The Tammany machine was totally
every respect.
The Tammany machine was totally
corrupt.
The Tammany machine was totally
corrupt.
A really shocking percentage of
corrupt.
A really shocking percentage of
the relief dollars that came in
A really shocking percentage of
the relief dollars that came in
to New York were siphoned off by
the relief dollars that came in
to New York were siphoned off by
the Tammany machine.
To New York were siphoned off by
the Tammany machine.
In 1931 and '32 and '33, New
the Tammany machine.
In 1931 and '32 and '33, New
York was a city paralyzed and it
In 1931 and '32 and '33, New
York was a city paralyzed and it
seemed like a city where there
York was a city paralyzed and it
seemed like a city where there
was basically no hope of it ever
seemed like a city where there
was basically no hope of it ever
meeting the needs of, you might
was basically no hope of it ever
meeting the needs of, you might
say, the 20th century.
Meeting the needs of, you might
say, the 20th century.
The automobile age had arrived.
Say, the 20th century.
The automobile age had arrived.
The city was strangling on its
The automobile age had arrived.
The city was strangling on its
traffic.
The city was strangling on its
traffic.
It was unable to build a single
traffic.
It was unable to build a single
mile of arterial highway.
It was unable to build a single
mile of arterial highway.
It had an idea of building what
mile of arterial highway.
It had an idea of building what
we now know as the Henry Hudson
It had an idea of building what
we now know as the Henry Hudson
Bridge.
We now know as the Henry Hudson
Bridge.
They had been talking about it
Bridge.
They had been talking about it
for 30 years.
They had been talking about it
for 30 years.
It wasn't built.
For 30 years.
It wasn't built.
The Triborough Bridge had been
It wasn't built.
The Triborough Bridge had been
started and stopped.
The Triborough Bridge had been
started and stopped.
And there was no hope of
started and stopped.
And there was no hope of
starting these things in any
And there was no hope of
starting these things in any
foreseeable future.
Starting these things in any
foreseeable future.
NARRATOR: For years, rumors
foreseeable future.
NARRATOR: For years, rumors
of official malfeasance had
NARRATOR: For years, rumors
of official malfeasance had
swirled around city hall, which,
of official malfeasance had
swirled around city hall, which,
by 1931, had been occupied for
swirled around city hall, which,
by 1931, had been occupied for
more than half a decade by a
by 1931, had been occupied for
more than half a decade by a
dapper and charmingly corrupt
more than half a decade by a
dapper and charmingly corrupt
ex-vaudeville performer and
dapper and charmingly corrupt
ex-vaudeville performer and
Tammany man named James J.
Ex-vaudeville performer and
Tammany man named James J.
Walker, under whose reign
Tammany man named James J.
Walker, under whose reign
Tammany's system of patronage
Walker, under whose reign
Tammany's system of patronage
and spoils had spiraled
Tammany's system of patronage
and spoils had spiraled
completely out of control.
And spoils had spiraled
completely out of control.
GORDON: Well, I'm sure I
completely out of control.
GORDON: Well, I'm sure I
would have liked him.
GORDON: Well, I'm sure I
would have liked him.
He must have been a marvelous
would have liked him.
He must have been a marvelous
person to spend time with.
He must have been a marvelous
person to spend time with.
I mean, he was a dreadful mayor.
Person to spend time with.
I mean, he was a dreadful mayor.
He often didn't show up until
I mean, he was a dreadful mayor.
He often didn't show up until
noon and was usually gone by
He often didn't show up until
noon and was usually gone by
three in the afternoon.
Noon and was usually gone by
three in the afternoon.
And he was a songwriter.
Three in the afternoon.
And he was a songwriter.
He wrote, you know, "Will You
And he was a songwriter.
He wrote, you know, "Will You
Love Me in December As You Do in
He wrote, you know, "Will You
Love Me in December As You Do in
May," still a famous song.
Love Me in December As You Do in
May," still a famous song.
I think he fitted his times very
May," still a famous song.
I think he fitted his times very
well.
I think he fitted his times very
well.
Was he a good mayor?
Well.
Was he a good mayor?
No, he was an awful mayor.
Was he a good mayor?
No, he was an awful mayor.
He was as crooked as a dog's
No, he was an awful mayor.
He was as crooked as a dog's
hind leg.
He was as crooked as a dog's
hind leg.
CARO: Robert Moses had the
hind leg.
CARO: Robert Moses had the
perfect expression for Jimmy
CARO: Robert Moses had the
perfect expression for Jimmy
Walker: half Beau Brummell, half
perfect expression for Jimmy
Walker: half Beau Brummell, half
guttersnipe.
Walker: half Beau Brummell, half
guttersnipe.
Moses would watch Walker walk
guttersnipe.
Moses would watch Walker walk
into the office in the morning.
Moses would watch Walker walk
into the office in the morning.
You know, he wore a single-
into the office in the morning.
You know, he wore a single-
button suit, perfect, the
You know, he wore a single-
button suit, perfect, the
narrowest of cravats, spats,
button suit, perfect, the
narrowest of cravats, spats,
the highly polished shoes.
Narrowest of cravats, spats,
the highly polished shoes.
Robert Moses would see him come
the highly polished shoes.
Robert Moses would see him come
in the morning, there would be a
Robert Moses would see him come
in the morning, there would be a
pile of mail on his desk, and
in the morning, there would be a
pile of mail on his desk, and
he'd say, "Any checks in there?"
pile of mail on his desk, and
he'd say, "Any checks in there?"
And if someone said "No," he'd
he'd say, "Any checks in there?"
And if someone said "No," he'd
sweep them all off the desk.
And if someone said "No," he'd
sweep them all off the desk.
His mayoralty of the city of New
sweep them all off the desk.
His mayoralty of the city of New
York, you know, is sort of
His mayoralty of the city of New
York, you know, is sort of
enshrined as legend, as
York, you know, is sort of
enshrined as legend, as
something with an overtone of
enshrined as legend, as
something with an overtone of
fun, but it wasn't fun for the
something with an overtone of
fun, but it wasn't fun for the
people of the city.
Fun, but it wasn't fun for the
people of the city.
The city was doing nothing to
people of the city.
The city was doing nothing to
help its people in the depths of
The city was doing nothing to
help its people in the depths of
the depression.
Help its people in the depths of
the depression.
It was doing remarkably little.
The depression.
It was doing remarkably little.
WALLACE: The problem was that
It was doing remarkably little.
WALLACE: The problem was that
there was no money coming from
WALLACE: The problem was that
there was no money coming from
the state and there was no money
there was no money coming from
the state and there was no money
coming from the federal
the state and there was no money
coming from the federal
government.
Coming from the federal
government.
So he was left with no recourse,
government.
So he was left with no recourse,
really, but to borrow.
So he was left with no recourse,
really, but to borrow.
And he borrowed and he borrowed
really, but to borrow.
And he borrowed and he borrowed
and he borrowed.
And he borrowed and he borrowed
and he borrowed.
And in fact, in the end, he
and he borrowed.
And in fact, in the end, he
basically had to agree that the
And in fact, in the end, he
basically had to agree that the
city would, in fact, make
basically had to agree that the
city would, in fact, make
tremendous cuts in public
city would, in fact, make
tremendous cuts in public
service, stop these public-works
tremendous cuts in public
service, stop these public-works
programs, lay off workers, and
service, stop these public-works
programs, lay off workers, and
the rest of it.
Programs, lay off workers, and
the rest of it.
And it was at this moment,
the rest of it.
And it was at this moment,
really, that he ran into even
And it was at this moment,
really, that he ran into even
more serious trouble and the
really, that he ran into even
more serious trouble and the
investigations of Walker begin
more serious trouble and the
investigations of Walker begin
that lead to his downfall.
Investigations of Walker begin
that lead to his downfall.
NARRATOR: The beginning of
that lead to his downfall.
NARRATOR: The beginning of
the end of Walker's reign came
NARRATOR: The beginning of
the end of Walker's reign came
in the fall of 1930, when
the end of Walker's reign came
in the fall of 1930, when
Governor Franklin Roosevelt,
in the fall of 1930, when
Governor Franklin Roosevelt,
obliged to distance himself from
Governor Franklin Roosevelt,
obliged to distance himself from
Tammany Hall as he prepared his
obliged to distance himself from
Tammany Hall as he prepared his
run for the presidency,
Tammany Hall as he prepared his
run for the presidency,
appointed a fiercely upright
run for the presidency,
appointed a fiercely upright
reform-minded judge named Samuel
appointed a fiercely upright
reform-minded judge named Samuel
Seabury to investigate
reform-minded judge named Samuel
Seabury to investigate
corruption in city government.
Seabury to investigate
corruption in city government.
WALLACE: And they begin to
corruption in city government.
WALLACE: And they begin to
find it's not too hard, you
WALLACE: And they begin to
find it's not too hard, you
know massive amounts of
find it's not too hard, you
know massive amounts of
official malfeasance and
know massive amounts of
official malfeasance and
corruption, particularly in the
official malfeasance and
corruption, particularly in the
police department and the
corruption, particularly in the
police department and the
judicial system.
Police department and the
judicial system.
One of the nastiest thing is
judicial system.
One of the nastiest thing is
that they're running this vice
One of the nastiest thing is
that they're running this vice
racketeering, where not only do
that they're running this vice
racketeering, where not only do
they arrest prostitutes and
racketeering, where not only do
they arrest prostitutes and
then, you know, accept payoffs
they arrest prostitutes and
then, you know, accept payoffs
to let them off, but
then, you know, accept payoffs
to let them off, but
increasingly they begin just
to let them off, but
increasingly they begin just
arresting women off the street,
increasingly they begin just
arresting women off the street,
respectable middle-class women,
arresting women off the street,
respectable middle-class women,
and, you know, threatening to
respectable middle-class women,
and, you know, threatening to
sort of expose them unless they
and, you know, threatening to
sort of expose them unless they
pay off.
Sort of expose them unless they
pay off.
It's really rampant, running-
pay off.
It's really rampant, running-
amok stuff.
It's really rampant, running-
amok stuff.
And what Seabury does is he
amok stuff.
And what Seabury does is he
begins to sort of go up the
And what Seabury does is he
begins to sort of go up the
chain of command, getting closer
begins to sort of go up the
chain of command, getting closer
and closer to Walker.
Chain of command, getting closer
and closer to Walker.
NARRATOR: In the spring of
and closer to Walker.
NARRATOR: In the spring of
1932, Walker himself was called
NARRATOR: In the spring of
1932, Walker himself was called
to testify.
1932, Walker himself was called
to testify.
On the morning of May 25th, the
to testify.
On the morning of May 25th, the
immensely popular mayor pushed
On the morning of May 25th, the
immensely popular mayor pushed
his way through a throng of
immensely popular mayor pushed
his way through a throng of
5,000 admirers outside the
his way through a throng of
5,000 admirers outside the
county courthouse on Foley
5,000 admirers outside the
county courthouse on Foley
Square and strode confidently
county courthouse on Foley
Square and strode confidently
into the courtroom.
Square and strode confidently
into the courtroom.
Informed of Walker's rousing
into the courtroom.
Informed of Walker's rousing
reception, Seabury said simply,
Informed of Walker's rousing
reception, Seabury said simply,
"They gave one to Boss Tweed,
reception, Seabury said simply,
"They gave one to Boss Tweed,
too."
"They gave one to Boss Tweed,
too."
CARO: You know, Walker was so
too."
CARO: You know, Walker was so
charming that when Judge Samuel
CARO: You know, Walker was so
charming that when Judge Samuel
Seabury was having his
charming that when Judge Samuel
Seabury was having his
investigation, he was advised by
Seabury was having his
investigation, he was advised by
his aides, "He's so charming,
investigation, he was advised by
his aides, "He's so charming,
don't look him in the eye or
his aides, "He's so charming,
don't look him in the eye or
he'll charm you."
don't look him in the eye or
he'll charm you."
So when Seabury was cross-
he'll charm you."
So when Seabury was cross-
examining Jimmy Walker on the
So when Seabury was cross-
examining Jimmy Walker on the
stand, he tried to stand
examining Jimmy Walker on the
stand, he tried to stand
sideways so that Walker couldn't
stand, he tried to stand
sideways so that Walker couldn't
catch his eye.
Sideways so that Walker couldn't
catch his eye.
NARRATOR: Once on the witness
catch his eye.
NARRATOR: Once on the witness
stand, however, there was little
NARRATOR: Once on the witness
stand, however, there was little
Walker could do, as Seabury
stand, however, there was little
Walker could do, as Seabury
marshaled evidence of the nearly
Walker could do, as Seabury
marshaled evidence of the nearly
$1 million the mayor had
marshaled evidence of the nearly
$1 million the mayor had
pocketed in kickbacks moneys
$1 million the mayor had
pocketed in kickbacks moneys
Walker himself gamely tried to
pocketed in kickbacks moneys
Walker himself gamely tried to
explain away as beneficences.
Walker himself gamely tried to
explain away as beneficences.
By the end of the summer, it was
explain away as beneficences.
By the end of the summer, it was
clear to almost everyone that
By the end of the summer, it was
clear to almost everyone that
Walker had to go.
Clear to almost everyone that
Walker had to go.
WALLACE: And he abdicates.
Walker had to go.
WALLACE: And he abdicates.
He leaves office.
WALLACE: And he abdicates.
He leaves office.
Seabury was not about to
He leaves office.
Seabury was not about to
actually bring formal charges.
Seabury was not about to
actually bring formal charges.
He said, "I got lots of
actually bring formal charges.
He said, "I got lots of
circumstantial evidence, but I
He said, "I got lots of
circumstantial evidence, but I
don't have that smoking gun."
circumstantial evidence, but I
don't have that smoking gun."
But it was Roosevelt behind the
don't have that smoking gun."
But it was Roosevelt behind the
scenes that made sure that
But it was Roosevelt behind the
scenes that made sure that
Walker would, in fact, now take
scenes that made sure that
Walker would, in fact, now take
his much delayed exit.
Walker would, in fact, now take
his much delayed exit.
GORDON: Franklin Roosevelt,
his much delayed exit.
GORDON: Franklin Roosevelt,
governor of New York, gave him
GORDON: Franklin Roosevelt,
governor of New York, gave him
his choice of resigning or being
governor of New York, gave him
his choice of resigning or being
fired and he opted to resign, to
his choice of resigning or being
fired and he opted to resign, to
be replaced by this nobody named
fired and he opted to resign, to
be replaced by this nobody named
"Boo Boo" O'Brien, who's famous
be replaced by this nobody named
"Boo Boo" O'Brien, who's famous
for his first press conference.
"Boo Boo" O'Brien, who's famous
for his first press conference.
Somebody asked him who the new
for his first press conference.
Somebody asked him who the new
sewer commissioner was going to
Somebody asked him who the new
sewer commissioner was going to
be and "Boo Boo" O'Brien said,
sewer commissioner was going to
be and "Boo Boo" O'Brien said,
"I don't know; they haven't told
be and "Boo Boo" O'Brien said,
"I don't know; they haven't told
me yet."
"I don't know; they haven't told
me yet."
JAMES J. WALKER: You, too,
me yet."
JAMES J. WALKER: You, too,
will find out what criticism is.
JAMES J. WALKER: You, too,
will find out what criticism is.
( laughter)
will find out what criticism is.
( laughter)
You, too, though will find the
( laughter)
You, too, though will find the
same comfort in the midst of
You, too, though will find the
same comfort in the midst of
criticism that comes from an
same comfort in the midst of
criticism that comes from an
easy conscience and a knowledge
criticism that comes from an
easy conscience and a knowledge
within yourself that no matter
easy conscience and a knowledge
within yourself that no matter
whether misunderstood or not,
within yourself that no matter
whether misunderstood or not,
you did the best you could.
Whether misunderstood or not,
you did the best you could.
NARRATOR: On September 1,
you did the best you could.
NARRATOR: On September 1,
1932, Jimmy Walker left city
NARRATOR: On September 1,
1932, Jimmy Walker left city
hall for the last time, vowed to
1932, Jimmy Walker left city
hall for the last time, vowed to
run again and clear his record,
hall for the last time, vowed to
run again and clear his record,
then sailed for Europe to join
run again and clear his record,
then sailed for Europe to join
his mistress, the actress Betty
then sailed for Europe to join
his mistress, the actress Betty
Compton, in Paris.
His mistress, the actress Betty
Compton, in Paris.
READER: "That dazzling,
Compton, in Paris.
READER: "That dazzling,
theatrical, and essentially
READER: "That dazzling,
theatrical, and essentially
absurd career has collapsed at
theatrical, and essentially
absurd career has collapsed at
last."
absurd career has collapsed at
last."
The New York Herald-Tribune.
Last."
The New York Herald-Tribune.
READER: "The elimination of
The New York Herald-Tribune.
READER: "The elimination of
Mr. Walker as mayor of this city
READER: "The elimination of
Mr. Walker as mayor of this city
is a distinct victory for higher
Mr. Walker as mayor of this city
is a distinct victory for higher
standards of public life."
is a distinct victory for higher
standards of public life."
Judge Samuel Seabury.
Standards of public life."
Judge Samuel Seabury.
WALKER: You didn't think I
Judge Samuel Seabury.
WALKER: You didn't think I
had any, did you?
WALKER: You didn't think I
had any, did you?
NARRATOR: More than anyone
had any, did you?
NARRATOR: More than anyone
realized, the demise of Jimmy
NARRATOR: More than anyone
realized, the demise of Jimmy
Walker and the devastating
realized, the demise of Jimmy
Walker and the devastating
depression that triggered it had
Walker and the devastating
depression that triggered it had
set the stage for one of the
depression that triggered it had
set the stage for one of the
most far-reaching political
set the stage for one of the
most far-reaching political
transformations in American
most far-reaching political
transformations in American
history.
Transformations in American
history.
Before the year was out,
history.
Before the year was out,
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's deft
Before the year was out,
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's deft
handling of the Walker scandal
Franklin Delano Roosevelt's deft
handling of the Walker scandal
had helped propel him to the
handling of the Walker scandal
had helped propel him to the
White House.
Had helped propel him to the
White House.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT:
White House.
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT:
Give me your help, not to win
FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT:
Give me your help, not to win
votes alone, but to win in this
Give me your help, not to win
votes alone, but to win in this
crusade to restore America to
votes alone, but to win in this
crusade to restore America to
its own people.
Crusade to restore America to
its own people.
NARRATOR: In New York,
its own people.
NARRATOR: In New York,
meanwhile, with Tammany on the
NARRATOR: In New York,
meanwhile, with Tammany on the
retreat for the first time in 15
meanwhile, with Tammany on the
retreat for the first time in 15
years, reformers saw their
retreat for the first time in 15
years, reformers saw their
chance of finally retaking city
years, reformers saw their
chance of finally retaking city
hall, pinning their hopes on a
chance of finally retaking city
hall, pinning their hopes on a
brilliant young civil servant
hall, pinning their hopes on a
brilliant young civil servant
named Robert Moses, who, under
brilliant young civil servant
named Robert Moses, who, under
Al Smith, had built the first
named Robert Moses, who, under
Al Smith, had built the first
state park system in the country
Al Smith, had built the first
state park system in the country
and the first system of public
state park system in the country
and the first system of public
highways in the world.
And the first system of public
highways in the world.
WALLACE: The reform forces
highways in the world.
WALLACE: The reform forces
realize after Walker is out that
WALLACE: The reform forces
realize after Walker is out that
Tammany is a wounded beast and
realize after Walker is out that
Tammany is a wounded beast and
that there's a possibility for
Tammany is a wounded beast and
that there's a possibility for
actually winning power for a
that there's a possibility for
actually winning power for a
reform candidate.
Actually winning power for a
reform candidate.
The question is: Who is it going
reform candidate.
The question is: Who is it going
to be?
The question is: Who is it going
to be?
The person that most of the
to be?
The person that most of the
reformers want is Robert Moses.
The person that most of the
reformers want is Robert Moses.
But Samuel Seabury who is,
reformers want is Robert Moses.
But Samuel Seabury who is,
because of his role in the
But Samuel Seabury who is,
because of his role in the
investigation, the kingmaker
because of his role in the
investigation, the kingmaker
here, won't hear of it.
Investigation, the kingmaker
here, won't hear of it.
Why?
Here, won't hear of it.
Why?
Because Moses is an Al Smith man
Why?
Because Moses is an Al Smith man
and Al Smith is a Tammany man
Because Moses is an Al Smith man
and Al Smith is a Tammany man
and Seabury is determined to
and Al Smith is a Tammany man
and Seabury is determined to
keep Tammany out of city hall.
And Seabury is determined to
keep Tammany out of city hall.
He wants Fiorello La Guardia.
Keep Tammany out of city hall.
He wants Fiorello La Guardia.
NARRATOR: He was in many ways
He wants Fiorello La Guardia.
NARRATOR: He was in many ways
the least likely of candidates,
NARRATOR: He was in many ways
the least likely of candidates,
a short, excitable, 51-year-old
the least likely of candidates,
a short, excitable, 51-year-old
ex-congressman and failed
a short, excitable, 51-year-old
ex-congressman and failed
mayoral candidate widely thought
ex-congressman and failed
mayoral candidate widely thought
to be finished in politics,
mayoral candidate widely thought
to be finished in politics,
having lost to Jimmy Walker only
to be finished in politics,
having lost to Jimmy Walker only
four years before in one of the
having lost to Jimmy Walker only
four years before in one of the
biggest landslides in the city's
four years before in one of the
biggest landslides in the city's
history.
Biggest landslides in the city's
history.
WALLACE: Actually, the idea
history.
WALLACE: Actually, the idea
of La Guardia horrifies most of
WALLACE: Actually, the idea
of La Guardia horrifies most of
the reformers.
Of La Guardia horrifies most of
the reformers.
This guy had been the most
the reformers.
This guy had been the most
radical congressman all through
This guy had been the most
radical congressman all through
the 1920s.
Radical congressman all through
the 1920s.
And then when the depression
the 1920s.
And then when the depression
came, he was railing furiously
And then when the depression
came, he was railing furiously
against Hoover, his own party
came, he was railing furiously
against Hoover, his own party
administration, for not, in
against Hoover, his own party
administration, for not, in
fact, helping the unemployed.
Administration, for not, in
fact, helping the unemployed.
And he was also attacking
fact, helping the unemployed.
And he was also attacking
bankers, you know?
And he was also attacking
bankers, you know?
"Those bastards broke the
bankers, you know?
"Those bastards broke the
people's back with their usury.
"Those bastards broke the
people's back with their usury.
Let them die.
People's back with their usury.
Let them die.
The people will survive."
Let them die.
The people will survive."
Well, you know, the forces of
The people will survive."
Well, you know, the forces of
reform were not exactly
Well, you know, the forces of
reform were not exactly
interested in this kind of
reform were not exactly
interested in this kind of
rabble-rouser.
Interested in this kind of
rabble-rouser.
NARRATOR: But Seabury was
rabble-rouser.
NARRATOR: But Seabury was
adamant.
NARRATOR: But Seabury was
adamant.
"He's absolutely honest," the
adamant.
"He's absolutely honest," the
judge declared.
"He's absolutely honest," the
judge declared.
"He's a man of great courage and
judge declared.
"He's a man of great courage and
he can win."
"He's a man of great courage and
he can win."
FIORELLO LA GUARDIA: I shall
he can win."
FIORELLO LA GUARDIA: I shall
be the mayor of the city of New
FIORELLO LA GUARDIA: I shall
be the mayor of the city of New
York.
Be the mayor of the city of New
York.
WALLACE: Why did Seabury want
York.
WALLACE: Why did Seabury want
him?
WALLACE: Why did Seabury want
him?
Because, in fact, the guy was a
him?
Because, in fact, the guy was a
scrapper, because the guy knew
Because, in fact, the guy was a
scrapper, because the guy knew
how to really go out and
scrapper, because the guy knew
how to really go out and
campaign.
How to really go out and
campaign.
A lot of the good-government
campaign.
A lot of the good-government
types had never, you know, set
A lot of the good-government
types had never, you know, set
foot in the streets.
Types had never, you know, set
foot in the streets.
This guy could debate, you know,
foot in the streets.
This guy could debate, you know,
in Yiddish to get the Jewish
This guy could debate, you know,
in Yiddish to get the Jewish
vote.
In Yiddish to get the Jewish
vote.
And very important he had a
vote.
And very important he had a
large, disaffected Italian
And very important he had a
large, disaffected Italian
constituency, whom, in fact, had
large, disaffected Italian
constituency, whom, in fact, had
been kept out of access to power
constituency, whom, in fact, had
been kept out of access to power
and jobs by the Irish Tammany
been kept out of access to power
and jobs by the Irish Tammany
machine.
And jobs by the Irish Tammany
machine.
JACKSON: He was, in a way,
machine.
JACKSON: He was, in a way,
reflective of New York City, a
JACKSON: He was, in a way,
reflective of New York City, a
one-person melting pot.
Reflective of New York City, a
one-person melting pot.
Mother is Jewish.
One-person melting pot.
Mother is Jewish.
Father is Italian.
Mother is Jewish.
Father is Italian.
He's an Episcopalian, speaks
Father is Italian.
He's an Episcopalian, speaks
different languages, but a
He's an Episcopalian, speaks
different languages, but a
person who is comfortable with
different languages, but a
person who is comfortable with
difference a person who not
person who is comfortable with
difference a person who not
only is comfortable with it,
difference a person who not
only is comfortable with it,
celebrates it.
Only is comfortable with it,
celebrates it.
FREEMAN: I think he's also
celebrates it.
FREEMAN: I think he's also
the first mayor to embody in his
FREEMAN: I think he's also
the first mayor to embody in his
style a kind of multiculturalism
the first mayor to embody in his
style a kind of multiculturalism
that really embraces all New
style a kind of multiculturalism
that really embraces all New
Yorkers, that says the greatness
that really embraces all New
Yorkers, that says the greatness
of the city is precisely in its
Yorkers, that says the greatness
of the city is precisely in its
heterogeneity, that this is its
of the city is precisely in its
heterogeneity, that this is its
richness, not in its august
heterogeneity, that this is its
richness, not in its august
traditions, not in its great
richness, not in its august
traditions, not in its great
wealth.
Traditions, not in its great
wealth.
GREENBERG: I think he was
wealth.
GREENBERG: I think he was
committed to the mess that was
GREENBERG: I think he was
committed to the mess that was
New York.
Committed to the mess that was
New York.
It wasn't neat.
New York.
It wasn't neat.
It was combative and it was
It wasn't neat.
It was combative and it was
energizing and it was complex,
It was combative and it was
energizing and it was complex,
and I think that's what he was
energizing and it was complex,
and I think that's what he was
trying to get at was allowing
and I think that's what he was
trying to get at was allowing
people to thrive in that kind of
trying to get at was allowing
people to thrive in that kind of
equal-opportunity community and
people to thrive in that kind of
equal-opportunity community and
to try to build that kind of
equal-opportunity community and
to try to build that kind of
city.
To try to build that kind of
city.
NARRATOR: On election day,
city.
NARRATOR: On election day,
the largest turnout in the
NARRATOR: On election day,
the largest turnout in the
city's history, over two million
the largest turnout in the
city's history, over two million
voters, propelled the fusion
city's history, over two million
voters, propelled the fusion
candidate into city hall by the
voters, propelled the fusion
candidate into city hall by the
narrowest of margins.
Candidate into city hall by the
narrowest of margins.
At 12:05 a.m. on the morning of
narrowest of margins.
At 12:05 a.m. on the morning of
January 1, 1934, while the
At 12:05 a.m. on the morning of
January 1, 1934, while the
streets filled with thousands of
January 1, 1934, while the
streets filled with thousands of
New Yorkers celebrating the
streets filled with thousands of
New Yorkers celebrating the
repeal of Prohibition, La
New Yorkers celebrating the
repeal of Prohibition, La
Guardia took the oath of office
repeal of Prohibition, La
Guardia took the oath of office
in the library of Samuel
Guardia took the oath of office
in the library of Samuel
Seabury's townhouse on East 63rd
in the library of Samuel
Seabury's townhouse on East 63rd
Street.
Seabury's townhouse on East 63rd
Street.
LA GUARDIA: I do.
Street.
LA GUARDIA: I do.
MAN: Now we have a mayor in
LA GUARDIA: I do.
MAN: Now we have a mayor in
New York City.
MAN: Now we have a mayor in
New York City.
LA GUARDIA: Thank you, Judge
New York City.
LA GUARDIA: Thank you, Judge
Seabury.
LA GUARDIA: Thank you, Judge
Seabury.
RUDY GIULIANI: It was perfect
Seabury.
RUDY GIULIANI: It was perfect
timing.
RUDY GIULIANI: It was perfect
timing.
He was precisely the mayor that
timing.
He was precisely the mayor that
New York City needed to get
He was precisely the mayor that
New York City needed to get
through the depression and the
New York City needed to get
through the depression and the
world war.
Through the depression and the
world war.
He was the mayor of New York
world war.
He was the mayor of New York
City during the most difficult
He was the mayor of New York
City during the most difficult
time ever to be mayor of New
City during the most difficult
time ever to be mayor of New
York City.
When we talk about fiscal
problems in New York City, we're
problems in New York City, we're
talking about ranges of
talking about ranges of
unemployment that go between
unemployment that go between
four and eight percent.
He was talking about 50%
He was talking about 50%
unemployment a city that was
totally devastated.
Unemployment a city that was
totally devastated.
So he took over New York City in
totally devastated.
So he took over New York City in
1933 probably at the worst
So he took over New York City in
1933 probably at the worst
moment, worst point in the
1933 probably at the worst
moment, worst point in the
history of this city.
Moment, worst point in the
history of this city.
NARRATOR: Determined to
history of this city.
NARRATOR: Determined to
change the course of city
NARRATOR: Determined to
change the course of city
government as no mayor before
change the course of city
government as no mayor before
or since, he set right to work.
Government as no mayor before
or since, he set right to work.
Skipping up the steps of city
or since, he set right to work.
Skipping up the steps of city
hall on his first day in office,
Skipping up the steps of city
hall on his first day in office,
he shook his fist at the 122-
hall on his first day in office,
he shook his fist at the 122-
year-old building, roared out in
he shook his fist at the 122-
year-old building, roared out in
Italian, "E finita la
year-old building, roared out in
Italian, "E finita la
cuccagna" "No more free
Italian, "E finita la
cuccagna" "No more free
lunch" then quickly showed he
cuccagna" "No more free
lunch" then quickly showed he
meant every word he said.
Lunch" then quickly showed he
meant every word he said.
In a matter of weeks, La Guardia
meant every word he said.
In a matter of weeks, La Guardia
had begun to dismantle the
In a matter of weeks, La Guardia
had begun to dismantle the
corrupt political machine that
had begun to dismantle the
corrupt political machine that
had run New York for
corrupt political machine that
had run New York for
generations, cutting thousands
had run New York for
generations, cutting thousands
of positions traditionally
generations, cutting thousands
of positions traditionally
reserved for Tammany Hall
of positions traditionally
reserved for Tammany Hall
loyalists and putting in its
reserved for Tammany Hall
loyalists and putting in its
place a new system of scientific
loyalists and putting in its
place a new system of scientific
civil service based on expertise
place a new system of scientific
civil service based on expertise
and merit.
Civil service based on expertise
and merit.
LA GUARDIA: We intend to have
and merit.
LA GUARDIA: We intend to have
a general housecleaning.
LA GUARDIA: We intend to have
a general housecleaning.
Yes.
A general housecleaning.
Yes.
We'll not only clean the streets
Yes.
We'll not only clean the streets
of the city, but I'm going to
We'll not only clean the streets
of the city, but I'm going to
clean every department of every
of the city, but I'm going to
clean every department of every
grafting Tammany politician and
clean every department of every
grafting Tammany politician and
appoint honest men and women in
grafting Tammany politician and
appoint honest men and women in
their places.
Appoint honest men and women in
their places.
WALLACE: And, in fact, here
their places.
WALLACE: And, in fact, here
he was brilliantly effective.
WALLACE: And, in fact, here
he was brilliantly effective.
He was going to be in office for
he was brilliantly effective.
He was going to be in office for
12 years and during that time he
He was going to be in office for
12 years and during that time he
systematically starved Tammany
12 years and during that time he
systematically starved Tammany
of patronage.
Systematically starved Tammany
of patronage.
And this is a crucial moment
of patronage.
And this is a crucial moment
because, in fact, it's the
And this is a crucial moment
because, in fact, it's the
destruction of the Democratic
because, in fact, it's the
destruction of the Democratic
Party machine that was one of
destruction of the Democratic
Party machine that was one of
his biggest goals and those of
Party machine that was one of
his biggest goals and those of
his supporters and, in fact, it
his biggest goals and those of
his supporters and, in fact, it
was successful in Manhattan.
His supporters and, in fact, it
was successful in Manhattan.
NARRATOR: He was not without
was successful in Manhattan.
NARRATOR: He was not without
his limitations.
NARRATOR: He was not without
his limitations.
Theatrical, autocratic, and
his limitations.
Theatrical, autocratic, and
violently short-tempered, he
Theatrical, autocratic, and
violently short-tempered, he
more than once had to be
violently short-tempered, he
more than once had to be
physically restrained from
more than once had to be
physically restrained from
striking other city officials.
Physically restrained from
striking other city officials.
"If you were any dumber," he
striking other city officials.
"If you were any dumber," he
once screamed at a hapless
"If you were any dumber," he
once screamed at a hapless
stenographer, "I'd make you a
once screamed at a hapless
stenographer, "I'd make you a
commissioner."
stenographer, "I'd make you a
commissioner."
But New Yorkers loved him
commissioner."
But New Yorkers loved him
anyway, in part because he threw
But New Yorkers loved him
anyway, in part because he threw
himself into the job with
anyway, in part because he threw
himself into the job with
reckless abandon, racing to
himself into the job with
reckless abandon, racing to
fires in a motorcycle sidecar,
reckless abandon, racing to
fires in a motorcycle sidecar,
accompanying the police on
fires in a motorcycle sidecar,
accompanying the police on
official raids, and once
accompanying the police on
official raids, and once
conducting the city orchestra at
official raids, and once
conducting the city orchestra at
Carnegie Hall, where he insisted
conducting the city orchestra at
Carnegie Hall, where he insisted
on receiving no special
Carnegie Hall, where he insisted
on receiving no special
consideration from the
on receiving no special
consideration from the
musicians.
Consideration from the
musicians.
"Just treat me like Toscanini,"
musicians.
"Just treat me like Toscanini,"
he said.
"Just treat me like Toscanini,"
he said.
ED KOCH: He was everywhere.
He said.
ED KOCH: He was everywhere.
He was everywhere and he was
ED KOCH: He was everywhere.
He was everywhere and he was
distinctive, because he was so
He was everywhere and he was
distinctive, because he was so
animated.
And his qualities were that he
got things done and that he
got things done and that he
related.
Related.
BELLA ABZUG: He shared
BELLA ABZUG: He shared
himself and his soul and his
himself and his soul and his
heart and his emotions, as well
heart and his emotions, as well
as his ability.
He was not afraid to be a human
He was not afraid to be a human
being as a politician.
He was a person of the people.
Being as a politician.
He was a person of the people.
And I have always believed that
He was a person of the people.
And I have always believed that
if you want to really represent
And I have always believed that
if you want to really represent
people, you got to act like a
if you want to really represent
people, you got to act like a
people.
People, you got to act like a
people.
You can't just be something
people.
You can't just be something
above that, and I think La
You can't just be something
above that, and I think La
Guardia understood that.
Above that, and I think La
Guardia understood that.
WALLACE: It's hard to say
Guardia understood that.
WALLACE: It's hard to say
that La Guardia has a single,
WALLACE: It's hard to say
that La Guardia has a single,
unified vision for the city, but
that La Guardia has a single,
unified vision for the city, but
he's certainly got a series of
unified vision for the city, but
he's certainly got a series of
goals.
He's certainly got a series of
goals.
And probably first and foremost
goals.
And probably first and foremost
are the very ones that he ran
And probably first and foremost
are the very ones that he ran
on.
Are the very ones that he ran
on.
One is a war on crime.
On.
One is a war on crime.
He declares an extremely public
One is a war on crime.
He declares an extremely public
war on racketeers, and gamblers
He declares an extremely public
war on racketeers, and gamblers
in particular, and he loves
war on racketeers, and gamblers
in particular, and he loves
going around and collecting slot
in particular, and he loves
going around and collecting slot
machines, taking them out on a
going around and collecting slot
machines, taking them out on a
barge in the harbor, taking his
machines, taking them out on a
barge in the harbor, taking his
ax and, you know, chopping them,
barge in the harbor, taking his
ax and, you know, chopping them,
and then throwing them
ax and, you know, chopping them,
and then throwing them
overboard.
And then throwing them
overboard.
Or rounding up guns.
Overboard.
Or rounding up guns.
And he's very, very conscious of
Or rounding up guns.
And he's very, very conscious of
media and he's got the newsreels
And he's very, very conscious of
media and he's got the newsreels
there and he's got the radio
media and he's got the newsreels
there and he's got the radio
there.
There and he's got the radio
there.
He's very public, symbolic, you
there.
He's very public, symbolic, you
know, acting out clearly on the
He's very public, symbolic, you
know, acting out clearly on the
stage.
Know, acting out clearly on the
stage.
He races around in police cars.
Stage.
He races around in police cars.
He appoints good, tough, honest
He races around in police cars.
He appoints good, tough, honest
cops, you know, like Valentine.
He appoints good, tough, honest
cops, you know, like Valentine.
The people who had been shunted
cops, you know, like Valentine.
The people who had been shunted
aside under the Tammany regime
The people who had been shunted
aside under the Tammany regime
are now running the show.
Aside under the Tammany regime
are now running the show.
LA GUARDIA: We're giving them
are now running the show.
LA GUARDIA: We're giving them
no quarter.
LA GUARDIA: We're giving them
no quarter.
NARRATOR: But the man whom
no quarter.
NARRATOR: But the man whom
the newspapers called "the
NARRATOR: But the man whom
the newspapers called "the
little flower" had even higher
the newspapers called "the
little flower" had even higher
ambitions.
Little flower" had even higher
ambitions.
Even as the city lay sunk in the
ambitions.
Even as the city lay sunk in the
depths of the worst depression
Even as the city lay sunk in the
depths of the worst depression
in American history, he dreamed
depths of the worst depression
in American history, he dreamed
of transforming it into the most
in American history, he dreamed
of transforming it into the most
progressive and modern
of transforming it into the most
progressive and modern
metropolis in the world of
progressive and modern
metropolis in the world of
rebuilding its tattered physical
metropolis in the world of
rebuilding its tattered physical
infrastructure, ruined by 15
rebuilding its tattered physical
infrastructure, ruined by 15
years of looting and neglect,
infrastructure, ruined by 15
years of looting and neglect,
through a series of massive
years of looting and neglect,
through a series of massive
public programs and public works
through a series of massive
public programs and public works
that would put tens of thousands
public programs and public works
that would put tens of thousands
of men and women back to work
that would put tens of thousands
of men and women back to work
and rebuild the pride and self-
of men and women back to work
and rebuild the pride and self-
respect of the city and its
and rebuild the pride and self-
respect of the city and its
people.
Respect of the city and its
people.
"I shall not rest," he declared,
people.
"I shall not rest," he declared,
"until my native city is first
"I shall not rest," he declared,
"until my native city is first
not only in population, but also
"until my native city is first
not only in population, but also
in wholesome housing; not only
not only in population, but also
in wholesome housing; not only
in commerce, but also in public
in wholesome housing; not only
in commerce, but also in public
health; until it is not only out
in commerce, but also in public
health; until it is not only out
of debt, but abounding in
health; until it is not only out
of debt, but abounding in
happiness."
of debt, but abounding in
happiness."
WALLACE: But the fact is that
happiness."
WALLACE: But the fact is that
when La Guardia takes power, he
WALLACE: But the fact is that
when La Guardia takes power, he
is up against the wall and he's
when La Guardia takes power, he
is up against the wall and he's
got extremely limited
is up against the wall and he's
got extremely limited
parameters.
Got extremely limited
parameters.
The consortium of bankers who
parameters.
The consortium of bankers who
had been loaning the city money
The consortium of bankers who
had been loaning the city money
are in essence saying, "Listen,
had been loaning the city money
are in essence saying, "Listen,
La Guardia, we're going to cut
are in essence saying, "Listen,
La Guardia, we're going to cut
you off without a dime; we're
La Guardia, we're going to cut
you off without a dime; we're
going to demand our money back,
you off without a dime; we're
going to demand our money back,
unless you take a series of
going to demand our money back,
unless you take a series of
measures."
unless you take a series of
measures."
And those measures are,
measures."
And those measures are,
basically, cut public services
And those measures are,
basically, cut public services
and concentrate on paying back
basically, cut public services
and concentrate on paying back
what you owe the banks.
And concentrate on paying back
what you owe the banks.
Now, La Guardia actually does
what you owe the banks.
Now, La Guardia actually does
carry some of this out and we
Now, La Guardia actually does
carry some of this out and we
tend to forget this.
Carry some of this out and we
tend to forget this.
There were mass layoffs of city
tend to forget this.
There were mass layoffs of city
workers and such.
There were mass layoffs of city
workers and such.
That was part of him.
Workers and such.
That was part of him.
He was, in fact, a business-
That was part of him.
He was, in fact, a business-
oriented reformer.
He was, in fact, a business-
oriented reformer.
And yet, in very short order, La
oriented reformer.
And yet, in very short order, La
Guardia is in a position to tell
And yet, in very short order, La
Guardia is in a position to tell
the bankers to take a hike.
Guardia is in a position to tell
the bankers to take a hike.
And not only does he not
the bankers to take a hike.
And not only does he not
continue to shrivel municipal
And not only does he not
continue to shrivel municipal
government and public programs,
continue to shrivel municipal
government and public programs,
but he presides over the
government and public programs,
but he presides over the
greatest expansion of government
but he presides over the
greatest expansion of government
programs and public services in
greatest expansion of government
programs and public services in
the history of the city.
Programs and public services in
the history of the city.
NARRATOR: The extraordinary
the history of the city.
NARRATOR: The extraordinary
revolution that would make that
NARRATOR: The extraordinary
revolution that would make that
possible would issue from an
revolution that would make that
possible would issue from an
unprecedented convergence of
possible would issue from an
unprecedented convergence of
local and national forces, a
unprecedented convergence of
local and national forces, a
unique alliance of personalities
local and national forces, a
unique alliance of personalities
and events, and represent, in
unique alliance of personalities
and events, and represent, in
the end, the greatest single sea
and events, and represent, in
the end, the greatest single sea
change in American government
the end, the greatest single sea
change in American government
since the early days of the
change in American government
since the early days of the
republic.
Since the early days of the
republic.
It was called the New Deal and
republic.
It was called the New Deal and
in many ways it would mark the
It was called the New Deal and
in many ways it would mark the
very zenith of New York City's
in many ways it would mark the
very zenith of New York City's
influence over American life.
Very zenith of New York City's
influence over American life.
WALLACE: And the key to
influence over American life.
WALLACE: And the key to
understanding La Guardia and the
WALLACE: And the key to
understanding La Guardia and the
successes of his
understanding La Guardia and the
successes of his
administration and for that
successes of his
administration and for that
matter, the role of Robert
administration and for that
matter, the role of Robert
Moses is to understand the New
matter, the role of Robert
Moses is to understand the New
Deal.
Moses is to understand the New
Deal.
For me, the most fascinating
Deal.
For me, the most fascinating
thing about the New Deal is that
For me, the most fascinating
thing about the New Deal is that
it is in large measure
thing about the New Deal is that
it is in large measure
constructed in New York City;
it is in large measure
constructed in New York City;
that when Franklin Roosevelt
constructed in New York City;
that when Franklin Roosevelt
goes to Washington, he's not
that when Franklin Roosevelt
goes to Washington, he's not
going alone.
Goes to Washington, he's not
going alone.
He is going with a set of ideas
going alone.
He is going with a set of ideas
and experiences which he has
He is going with a set of ideas
and experiences which he has
gleaned by working in New York
and experiences which he has
gleaned by working in New York
City and New York State politics
gleaned by working in New York
City and New York State politics
for the previous decades, and he
City and New York State politics
for the previous decades, and he
is going with a platoon of New
for the previous decades, and he
is going with a platoon of New
Yorkers from various aspects of
is going with a platoon of New
Yorkers from various aspects of
New York life who also have got
Yorkers from various aspects of
New York life who also have got
programs, who have got ideas
New York life who also have got
programs, who have got ideas
which have been tested and
programs, who have got ideas
which have been tested and
worked out on the streets of New
which have been tested and
worked out on the streets of New
York City.
Worked out on the streets of New
York City.
In essence, I would argue that
York City.
In essence, I would argue that
what happens in '32 and '33 is
In essence, I would argue that
what happens in '32 and '33 is
that New York invades
what happens in '32 and '33 is
that New York invades
Washington.
That New York invades
Washington.
New York boards and seizes
Washington.
New York boards and seizes
Washington, but instead of
New York boards and seizes
Washington, but instead of
treating it as a conquered
Washington, but instead of
treating it as a conquered
country, what they do is say,
treating it as a conquered
country, what they do is say,
"Washington has got to do what
country, what they do is say,
"Washington has got to do what
New York City has been doing for
"Washington has got to do what
New York City has been doing for
all these years and do it on a
New York City has been doing for
all these years and do it on a
colossal new scale with the
all these years and do it on a
colossal new scale with the
resources that only the federal
colossal new scale with the
resources that only the federal
state can command.
Resources that only the federal
state can command.
It must intervene in the
state can command.
It must intervene in the
workings of the economy.
It must intervene in the
workings of the economy.
It must not, in fact, just sit
workings of the economy.
It must not, in fact, just sit
back and be laissez-faire in its
It must not, in fact, just sit
back and be laissez-faire in its
attitude.
Back and be laissez-faire in its
attitude.
It must seize the moment and
attitude.
It must seize the moment and
operate on a very different set
It must seize the moment and
operate on a very different set
of parameters than the previous
operate on a very different set
of parameters than the previous
administration."
of parameters than the previous
administration."
When you look at the New Deal,
administration."
When you look at the New Deal,
there are a lot of people from
When you look at the New Deal,
there are a lot of people from
around the country who are
there are a lot of people from
around the country who are
players.
Around the country who are
players.
But who's sitting at Roosevelt's
players.
But who's sitting at Roosevelt's
right hand?
But who's sitting at Roosevelt's
right hand?
It's Harry Hopkins, who comes up
right hand?
It's Harry Hopkins, who comes up
through the social work and the
It's Harry Hopkins, who comes up
through the social work and the
welfare bureaucracy in New York
through the social work and the
welfare bureaucracy in New York
City and is the guy who is
welfare bureaucracy in New York
City and is the guy who is
sitting there and, you know,
City and is the guy who is
sitting there and, you know,
starts signing zillions of
sitting there and, you know,
starts signing zillions of
dollars worth of checks.
Starts signing zillions of
dollars worth of checks.
On his left hand is Eleanor, who
dollars worth of checks.
On his left hand is Eleanor, who
is, in fact, plugged into the
On his left hand is Eleanor, who
is, in fact, plugged into the
Settlement House Movement and a
is, in fact, plugged into the
Settlement House Movement and a
whole network of labor
Settlement House Movement and a
whole network of labor
reformers.
Whole network of labor
reformers.
There's Frances Perkins, who is
reformers.
There's Frances Perkins, who is
going to be his secretary of
There's Frances Perkins, who is
going to be his secretary of
labor.
Going to be his secretary of
labor.
She was back in the Triangle
labor.
She was back in the Triangle
fire days.
She was back in the Triangle
fire days.
She's, in fact, continuing and
fire days.
She's, in fact, continuing and
applying lessons that were
She's, in fact, continuing and
applying lessons that were
learned in that period on a
applying lessons that were
learned in that period on a
national level.
Learned in that period on a
national level.
The list just goes on and on and
national level.
The list just goes on and on and
on.
The list just goes on and on and
on.
There's this squadron of New
on.
There's this squadron of New
Yorkers who are installed in
There's this squadron of New
Yorkers who are installed in
high places and begin to promote
Yorkers who are installed in
high places and begin to promote
New York City programs.
High places and begin to promote
New York City programs.
NARRATOR: The seismic changes
New York City programs.
NARRATOR: The seismic changes
wrought by the New Deal would
NARRATOR: The seismic changes
wrought by the New Deal would
reverberate for the rest of the
wrought by the New Deal would
reverberate for the rest of the
century, as billions of dollars
reverberate for the rest of the
century, as billions of dollars
in federal aid were soon pouring
century, as billions of dollars
in federal aid were soon pouring
out of Washington, affecting
in federal aid were soon pouring
out of Washington, affecting
every aspect of American life.
Out of Washington, affecting
every aspect of American life.
There were funds for
every aspect of American life.
There were funds for
unemployment relief, for long-
There were funds for
unemployment relief, for long-
term initiatives in health and
unemployment relief, for long-
term initiatives in health and
social security, for public
term initiatives in health and
social security, for public
housing and labor reform, and
social security, for public
housing and labor reform, and
most surprisingly of all in the
housing and labor reform, and
most surprisingly of all in the
darkest hour of the depression,
most surprisingly of all in the
darkest hour of the depression,
for the kind of large-scale
darkest hour of the depression,
for the kind of large-scale
public works that Fiorello La
for the kind of large-scale
public works that Fiorello La
Guardia had made the centerpiece
public works that Fiorello La
Guardia had made the centerpiece
of his vision of a transformed
Guardia had made the centerpiece
of his vision of a transformed
metropolis.
Of his vision of a transformed
metropolis.
GREENBERG: For better or
metropolis.
GREENBERG: For better or
worse, it completely transformed
GREENBERG: For better or
worse, it completely transformed
the way people view government
worse, it completely transformed
the way people view government
and government's role in
the way people view government
and government's role in
people's lives.
And government's role in
people's lives.
Before the New Deal, it didn't
people's lives.
Before the New Deal, it didn't
occur to most people that
Before the New Deal, it didn't
occur to most people that
government had any obligation to
occur to most people that
government had any obligation to
its citizenry beyond the basics
government had any obligation to
its citizenry beyond the basics
of military support and security
its citizenry beyond the basics
of military support and security
and things like that.
Of military support and security
and things like that.
But the idea that government had
and things like that.
But the idea that government had
a responsibility to intervene
But the idea that government had
a responsibility to intervene
economically, to provide
a responsibility to intervene
economically, to provide
employment when necessary, to
economically, to provide
employment when necessary, to
keep people from starving even,
employment when necessary, to
keep people from starving even,
this was simply not understood.
Keep people from starving even,
this was simply not understood.
Social Security something
this was simply not understood.
Social Security something
that's now sacrosanct in many
Social Security something
that's now sacrosanct in many
ways was a novel idea, that
that's now sacrosanct in many
ways was a novel idea, that
people should actually enjoy
ways was a novel idea, that
people should actually enjoy
security and that government was
people should actually enjoy
security and that government was
obliged to provide it.
Security and that government was
obliged to provide it.
It changes the nature of the
obliged to provide it.
It changes the nature of the
relationship between citizens
It changes the nature of the
relationship between citizens
and government.
Relationship between citizens
and government.
WALLACE: And yet, the
and government.
WALLACE: And yet, the
tremendous irony is, is that
WALLACE: And yet, the
tremendous irony is, is that
while in the short term the New
tremendous irony is, is that
while in the short term the New
Deal programs are going to be
while in the short term the New
Deal programs are going to be
the salvation of New York City,
Deal programs are going to be
the salvation of New York City,
because Washington comes out of
the salvation of New York City,
because Washington comes out of
this enormously strengthened,
because Washington comes out of
this enormously strengthened,
New York, which had been the
this enormously strengthened,
New York, which had been the
unofficial capital and the
New York, which had been the
unofficial capital and the
financial capital and the
unofficial capital and the
financial capital and the
cultural capital and the
financial capital and the
cultural capital and the
marketing capital, has now got a
cultural capital and the
marketing capital, has now got a
rival in a major-league way that
marketing capital, has now got a
rival in a major-league way that
it had never had before.
Rival in a major-league way that
it had never had before.
And suddenly, you know, it's not
it had never had before.
And suddenly, you know, it's not
the center of the country.
And suddenly, you know, it's not
the center of the country.
It's just another city, and a
the center of the country.
It's just another city, and a
very hard-pressed city, and it's
It's just another city, and a
very hard-pressed city, and it's
dependent upon federal transfer.
Very hard-pressed city, and it's
dependent upon federal transfer.
And Washington is going to apply
dependent upon federal transfer.
And Washington is going to apply
the same New Deal tactics and
And Washington is going to apply
the same New Deal tactics and
strategies out West, where
the same New Deal tactics and
strategies out West, where
they're going to build huge
strategies out West, where
they're going to build huge
public-works projects you
they're going to build huge
public-works projects you
know, dams, electrification
public-works projects you
know, dams, electrification
systems, water supply which is
know, dams, electrification
systems, water supply which is
very largely going to be drawing
systems, water supply which is
very largely going to be drawing
upon money garnered from the
very largely going to be drawing
upon money garnered from the
Northeast, and New York in
upon money garnered from the
Northeast, and New York in
particular, to develop what's
Northeast, and New York in
particular, to develop what's
going to emerge a little bit
particular, to develop what's
going to emerge a little bit
down the road as a sunbelt
going to emerge a little bit
down the road as a sunbelt
competitor to New York City's
down the road as a sunbelt
competitor to New York City's
economic primacy.
Competitor to New York City's
economic primacy.
And it's going to do the same
economic primacy.
And it's going to do the same
thing in the South.
And it's going to do the same
thing in the South.
The New Deal, courtesy very
thing in the South.
The New Deal, courtesy very
largely of New Yorkers, is, in
The New Deal, courtesy very
largely of New Yorkers, is, in
fact, going to equalize
largely of New Yorkers, is, in
fact, going to equalize
relations between the regions,
fact, going to equalize
relations between the regions,
but it is going to transform
relations between the regions,
but it is going to transform
forevermore New York City's
but it is going to transform
forevermore New York City's
centrality that was
forevermore New York City's
centrality that was
characteristic of it up 'til
centrality that was
characteristic of it up 'til
that period.
Characteristic of it up 'til
that period.
NARRATOR: The full effects of
that period.
NARRATOR: The full effects of
that epic transformation would
NARRATOR: The full effects of
that epic transformation would
not be felt for decades to come.
That epic transformation would
not be felt for decades to come.
In the meantime, no mayor in the
not be felt for decades to come.
In the meantime, no mayor in the
country saw more clearly the
In the meantime, no mayor in the
country saw more clearly the
potential of the New Deal than
country saw more clearly the
potential of the New Deal than
Fiorello La Guardia.
Potential of the New Deal than
Fiorello La Guardia.
Pioneering the use of the
Fiorello La Guardia.
Pioneering the use of the
airplane in government, the
Pioneering the use of the
airplane in government, the
indefatigable mayor, who liked
airplane in government, the
indefatigable mayor, who liked
to be addressed by his old Army
indefatigable mayor, who liked
to be addressed by his old Army
Air Corps rank of major, was
to be addressed by his old Army
Air Corps rank of major, was
soon flying down to Washington
Air Corps rank of major, was
soon flying down to Washington
early in the morning, returning
soon flying down to Washington
early in the morning, returning
to New York by late afternoon
early in the morning, returning
to New York by late afternoon
with the promise of new federal
to New York by late afternoon
with the promise of new federal
aid in hand, thanks to his
with the promise of new federal
aid in hand, thanks to his
immense personal charm, his
aid in hand, thanks to his
immense personal charm, his
reputation for incorruptibility,
immense personal charm, his
reputation for incorruptibility,
and his close personal ties to
reputation for incorruptibility,
and his close personal ties to
Franklin Roosevelt.
And his close personal ties to
Franklin Roosevelt.
READER: "Our mayor is the
Franklin Roosevelt.
READER: "Our mayor is the
most appealing man I know.
READER: "Our mayor is the
most appealing man I know.
He comes to Washington and tells
most appealing man I know.
He comes to Washington and tells
me a sad story.
He comes to Washington and tells
me a sad story.
The tears run down my cheeks and
me a sad story.
The tears run down my cheeks and
the tears run down his cheeks.
The tears run down my cheeks and
the tears run down his cheeks.
And the first thing I know, he
the tears run down his cheeks.
And the first thing I know, he
has wangled another $50 million
And the first thing I know, he
has wangled another $50 million
out of me."
has wangled another $50 million
out of me."
Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Out of me."
Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
WALLACE: Fiorello La Guardia
Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
WALLACE: Fiorello La Guardia
is, you know, like this with
WALLACE: Fiorello La Guardia
is, you know, like this with
Franklin Roosevelt.
Is, you know, like this with
Franklin Roosevelt.
That's the critical connection.
Franklin Roosevelt.
That's the critical connection.
And money, billions of dollars
That's the critical connection.
And money, billions of dollars
flow into a vast series of
And money, billions of dollars
flow into a vast series of
public-works programs that build
flow into a vast series of
public-works programs that build
things that are socially useful.
Public-works programs that build
things that are socially useful.
They build highways, they build
things that are socially useful.
They build highways, they build
airports, they build hospitals,
They build highways, they build
airports, they build hospitals,
they build schools, they build
airports, they build hospitals,
they build schools, they build
colleges, they build, you know,
they build schools, they build
colleges, they build, you know,
health centers a vast panoply
colleges, they build, you know,
health centers a vast panoply
of expansion of things.
Health centers a vast panoply
of expansion of things.
NARRATOR: Before it was over,
of expansion of things.
NARRATOR: Before it was over,
the unlikely alliance between
NARRATOR: Before it was over,
the unlikely alliance between
the patrician president and the
the unlikely alliance between
the patrician president and the
diminutive, populist mayor, whom
the patrician president and the
diminutive, populist mayor, whom
one man called, "a lowercase
diminutive, populist mayor, whom
one man called, "a lowercase
Franklin Roosevelt," would turn
one man called, "a lowercase
Franklin Roosevelt," would turn
New York City into a showcase
Franklin Roosevelt," would turn
New York City into a showcase
for the New Deal.
New York City into a showcase
for the New Deal.
In the darkest hours of the
for the New Deal.
In the darkest hours of the
depression, Fiorello La Guardia
In the darkest hours of the
depression, Fiorello La Guardia
would have the resources he
depression, Fiorello La Guardia
would have the resources he
would need to turn New York into
would have the resources he
would need to turn New York into
what he called, "a gigantic
would need to turn New York into
what he called, "a gigantic
laboratory of civic
what he called, "a gigantic
laboratory of civic
reconstruction."
laboratory of civic
reconstruction."
All he needed was someone who
reconstruction."
All he needed was someone who
knew how to use them, and within
All he needed was someone who
knew how to use them, and within
days of his inauguration on
knew how to use them, and within
days of his inauguration on
January 1, 1934, he had turned
days of his inauguration on
January 1, 1934, he had turned
to a man already universally
January 1, 1934, he had turned
to a man already universally
known in New York as the man who
to a man already universally
known in New York as the man who
could get things done.
Known in New York as the man who
could get things done.
His name was Robert Moses, the
could get things done.
His name was Robert Moses, the
greatest builder of public works
His name was Robert Moses, the
greatest builder of public works
the city would ever see.
Greatest builder of public works
the city would ever see.
And long after he had left the
the city would ever see.
And long after he had left the
public stage, people would still
And long after he had left the
public stage, people would still
be debating the meaning and
public stage, people would still
be debating the meaning and
consequences of his
be debating the meaning and
consequences of his
extraordinary career.
Consequences of his
extraordinary career.
JACKSON: Robert Moses was the
extraordinary career.
JACKSON: Robert Moses was the
single most important figure to
JACKSON: Robert Moses was the
single most important figure to
emerge in New York City in the
single most important figure to
emerge in New York City in the
20th century.
Emerge in New York City in the
20th century.
He was a unique figure.
20th century.
He was a unique figure.
Not only is there no counterpart
He was a unique figure.
Not only is there no counterpart
in New York City to Robert
Not only is there no counterpart
in New York City to Robert
Moses, neither is there any
in New York City to Robert
Moses, neither is there any
counterpart to Robert Moses in
Moses, neither is there any
counterpart to Robert Moses in
Chicago or Los Angeles or
counterpart to Robert Moses in
Chicago or Los Angeles or
Houston one person who single-
Chicago or Los Angeles or
Houston one person who single-
handedly, over a period of
Houston one person who single-
handedly, over a period of
almost half a century, reshapes
handedly, over a period of
almost half a century, reshapes
a great metropolis.
Almost half a century, reshapes
a great metropolis.
CARO: In a democracy, you
a great metropolis.
CARO: In a democracy, you
think of power in four-year
CARO: In a democracy, you
think of power in four-year
terms or eight years or 12-year
think of power in four-year
terms or eight years or 12-year
spans.
Terms or eight years or 12-year
spans.
Robert Moses held power for
spans.
Robert Moses held power for
almost half a century.
Robert Moses held power for
almost half a century.
And with this power, he shaped
almost half a century.
And with this power, he shaped
New York, not for a term or not
And with this power, he shaped
New York, not for a term or not
for a decade and not for a
New York, not for a term or not
for a decade and not for a
generation, but for almost half
for a decade and not for a
generation, but for almost half
a century.
Generation, but for almost half
a century.
When you talk about New York in
a century.
When you talk about New York in
the 20th century, the story of
When you talk about New York in
the 20th century, the story of
New York is inseparable from the
the 20th century, the story of
New York is inseparable from the
story of Robert Moses.
New York is inseparable from the
story of Robert Moses.
To an astonishing extent they
story of Robert Moses.
To an astonishing extent they
are one and the same.
To an astonishing extent they
are one and the same.
JACKSON: What Robert Moses
are one and the same.
JACKSON: What Robert Moses
did that had to be done was to
JACKSON: What Robert Moses
did that had to be done was to
adapt really a 19th-century city
did that had to be done was to
adapt really a 19th-century city
for 20th-century circumstances.
Adapt really a 19th-century city
for 20th-century circumstances.
He was swimming with the tide of
for 20th-century circumstances.
He was swimming with the tide of
history.
He was swimming with the tide of
history.
The American people had
history.
The American people had
essentially voted with their
The American people had
essentially voted with their
pocketbooks and with their minds
essentially voted with their
pocketbooks and with their minds
in favor of a more spread-out
pocketbooks and with their minds
in favor of a more spread-out
environment, one that was based
in favor of a more spread-out
environment, one that was based
really on automobile
environment, one that was based
really on automobile
transportation.
Really on automobile
transportation.
Robert Moses took that idea and
transportation.
Robert Moses took that idea and
ran with it like no one else in
Robert Moses took that idea and
ran with it like no one else in
American history.
Ran with it like no one else in
American history.
CARO: Of course there are
American history.
CARO: Of course there are
great historical forces which
CARO: Of course there are
great historical forces which
make things the way they are and
great historical forces which
make things the way they are and
to an extent every individual is
make things the way they are and
to an extent every individual is
subject to them, but there are
to an extent every individual is
subject to them, but there are
some individuals who ride the
subject to them, but there are
some individuals who ride the
crest of the social forces and
some individuals who ride the
crest of the social forces and
turn them in their direction.
Crest of the social forces and
turn them in their direction.
Moses was that kind of a person
turn them in their direction.
Moses was that kind of a person
because of his personality, the
Moses was that kind of a person
because of his personality, the
scope of his vision, his energy.
Because of his personality, the
scope of his vision, his energy.
And he had an intensity of
scope of his vision, his energy.
And he had an intensity of
purpose, I mean, a savage will
And he had an intensity of
purpose, I mean, a savage will
that he's going to get this
purpose, I mean, a savage will
that he's going to get this
done, you know?
That he's going to get this
done, you know?
His saying that "I'll hit them
done, you know?
His saying that "I'll hit them
with a meat ax" and the meat
His saying that "I'll hit them
with a meat ax" and the meat
ax could be anything he had to
with a meat ax" and the meat
ax could be anything he had to
do to get his end accomplished.
Ax could be anything he had to
do to get his end accomplished.
GORDON: He certainly did some
do to get his end accomplished.
GORDON: He certainly did some
terrible things and tried to do
GORDON: He certainly did some
terrible things and tried to do
some terrible things that he
terrible things and tried to do
some terrible things that he
fortunately did not get away
some terrible things that he
fortunately did not get away
with.
Fortunately did not get away
with.
And I think the key to
with.
And I think the key to
understanding Robert Moses is
And I think the key to
understanding Robert Moses is
that he didn't care about
understanding Robert Moses is
that he didn't care about
people.
That he didn't care about
people.
He passionately cared about
people.
He passionately cared about
automobiles and moving them.
He passionately cared about
automobiles and moving them.
CARO: Sophocles said, "One
automobiles and moving them.
CARO: Sophocles said, "One
must wait until the evening to
CARO: Sophocles said, "One
must wait until the evening to
see how splendid the day has
must wait until the evening to
see how splendid the day has
been."
see how splendid the day has
been."
When you look at what Moses
been."
When you look at what Moses
wrought, you say these are some
When you look at what Moses
wrought, you say these are some
of the greatest creations of
wrought, you say these are some
of the greatest creations of
man.
Of the greatest creations of
man.
But what did they create?
Man.
But what did they create?
What kind of a city did he leave
But what did they create?
What kind of a city did he leave
behind?
What kind of a city did he leave
behind?
NARRATOR: He had begun his
behind?
NARRATOR: He had begun his
career, one man later said, "as
NARRATOR: He had begun his
career, one man later said, "as
the very flower of New York's
career, one man later said, "as
the very flower of New York's
reform movement," the fiercely
the very flower of New York's
reform movement," the fiercely
driven second son of wealthy
reform movement," the fiercely
driven second son of wealthy
German Jews, fired by the ideals
driven second son of wealthy
German Jews, fired by the ideals
of the progressive age and the
German Jews, fired by the ideals
of the progressive age and the
dream of public service.
Of the progressive age and the
dream of public service.
Coming of age as the era of
dream of public service.
Coming of age as the era of
horse and rail gave way to the
Coming of age as the era of
horse and rail gave way to the
era of the motorcar, from
horse and rail gave way to the
era of the motorcar, from
beginning to end, the story of
era of the motorcar, from
beginning to end, the story of
his life would be bound up with
beginning to end, the story of
his life would be bound up with
the automobile and its fateful
his life would be bound up with
the automobile and its fateful
impact on the life of American
the automobile and its fateful
impact on the life of American
cities.
Impact on the life of American
cities.
WALLACE: At the turn of the
cities.
WALLACE: At the turn of the
century, what at first appeared
WALLACE: At the turn of the
century, what at first appeared
to be a harmless little toy
century, what at first appeared
to be a harmless little toy
began puttering around on the
to be a harmless little toy
began puttering around on the
streets of the city, and it
began puttering around on the
streets of the city, and it
wasn't a harmless little toy.
Streets of the city, and it
wasn't a harmless little toy.
It was, in fact, the agent of
wasn't a harmless little toy.
It was, in fact, the agent of
dissolution which was about,
It was, in fact, the agent of
dissolution which was about,
over the next 20 or 30 years, to
dissolution which was about,
over the next 20 or 30 years, to
unravel and to decentralize this
over the next 20 or 30 years, to
unravel and to decentralize this
tremendously integrated rail-
unravel and to decentralize this
tremendously integrated rail-
based system that had been
tremendously integrated rail-
based system that had been
constructed.
Based system that had been
constructed.
Nobody took it seriously at
constructed.
Nobody took it seriously at
first because, in fact, it was a
Nobody took it seriously at
first because, in fact, it was a
toy and it was a rich man's toy.
First because, in fact, it was a
toy and it was a rich man's toy.
No great surprise, these early
toy and it was a rich man's toy.
No great surprise, these early
machines were expensive and you
No great surprise, these early
machines were expensive and you
had to have a chauffeur.
Machines were expensive and you
had to have a chauffeur.
And they were very fragile, so
had to have a chauffeur.
And they were very fragile, so
you needed an indoor garage.
And they were very fragile, so
you needed an indoor garage.
So it's not a surprise that of
you needed an indoor garage.
So it's not a surprise that of
the around 1900, the 8,000
So it's not a surprise that of
the around 1900, the 8,000
cars that existed in the U.S.,
the around 1900, the 8,000
cars that existed in the U.S.,
the clear majority of them were
cars that existed in the U.S.,
the clear majority of them were
owned in New York City and they
the clear majority of them were
owned in New York City and they
were owned in gross lots.
Owned in New York City and they
were owned in gross lots.
John Jacob Astor had 32.
Were owned in gross lots.
John Jacob Astor had 32.
One summer day in 1901, two-
John Jacob Astor had 32.
One summer day in 1901, two-
year-old Louie Camille was
One summer day in 1901, two-
year-old Louie Camille was
playing out on Lower East Side
year-old Louie Camille was
playing out on Lower East Side
streets, son of Italian
playing out on Lower East Side
streets, son of Italian
immigrant parents, and he was
streets, son of Italian
immigrant parents, and he was
run over by an automobile driven
immigrant parents, and he was
run over by an automobile driven
by a chauffeur who was taking
run over by an automobile driven
by a chauffeur who was taking
two Wall Street businessmen down
by a chauffeur who was taking
two Wall Street businessmen down
to their office.
Two Wall Street businessmen down
to their office.
A huge crowd formed up and
to their office.
A huge crowd formed up and
nearly, in fact, lynched all of
A huge crowd formed up and
nearly, in fact, lynched all of
the occupants of the car.
Nearly, in fact, lynched all of
the occupants of the car.
This was the first critical
the occupants of the car.
This was the first critical
clash.
This was the first critical
clash.
The streets were playgrounds for
clash.
The streets were playgrounds for
the working-class poor, and the
The streets were playgrounds for
the working-class poor, and the
car is making a competing claim
the working-class poor, and the
car is making a competing claim
for rights of access to this
car is making a competing claim
for rights of access to this
place, and it makes it with
for rights of access to this
place, and it makes it with
brute force.
Place, and it makes it with
brute force.
Henry Ford changes the equation.
Brute force.
Henry Ford changes the equation.
By mass-producing autos, he's
Henry Ford changes the equation.
By mass-producing autos, he's
churning out the Model T.
By mass-producing autos, he's
churning out the Model T.
Flivvers are dropping in price.
Churning out the Model T.
Flivvers are dropping in price.
They're within access range now
Flivvers are dropping in price.
They're within access range now
of a much larger middle class.
They're within access range now
of a much larger middle class.
They're no longer exclusively
of a much larger middle class.
They're no longer exclusively
toys for the rich.
They're no longer exclusively
toys for the rich.
The number of car ownership
toys for the rich.
The number of car ownership
begins to soar throughout the
The number of car ownership
begins to soar throughout the
country, but in New York City in
begins to soar throughout the
country, but in New York City in
particular.
Country, but in New York City in
particular.
They triple between 1915 and
particular.
They triple between 1915 and
They triple between 1915 and
But it's nothing compared to
But it's nothing compared to
what happens in the '20s.
But it's nothing compared to
what happens in the '20s.
The '20s, in fact, is when the
what happens in the '20s.
The '20s, in fact, is when the
automobile explodes.
The '20s, in fact, is when the
automobile explodes.
It's not just the spectacular
automobile explodes.
It's not just the spectacular
presence of these things in
It's not just the spectacular
presence of these things in
terms of the sheer number of
presence of these things in
terms of the sheer number of
people who are now driving them;
terms of the sheer number of
people who are now driving them;
it is the way the cities begin
people who are now driving them;
it is the way the cities begin
to be remade to suit the needs
it is the way the cities begin
to be remade to suit the needs
and convenience of automobilers.
To be remade to suit the needs
and convenience of automobilers.
NARRATOR: Convinced that the
and convenience of automobilers.
NARRATOR: Convinced that the
future of American life lay with
NARRATOR: Convinced that the
future of American life lay with
the automobile, Robert Moses was
future of American life lay with
the automobile, Robert Moses was
among the first to sense that
the automobile, Robert Moses was
among the first to sense that
cities themselves would have to
among the first to sense that
cities themselves would have to
be dramatically rebuilt to
cities themselves would have to
be dramatically rebuilt to
accommodate the reality of the
be dramatically rebuilt to
accommodate the reality of the
motorcar.
Accommodate the reality of the
motorcar.
Appointed by Governor Al Smith
motorcar.
Appointed by Governor Al Smith
in the boom years of the 1920s
Appointed by Governor Al Smith
in the boom years of the 1920s
to reorganize New York state
in the boom years of the 1920s
to reorganize New York state
government, he soon began to
to reorganize New York state
government, he soon began to
conceive of a revolutionary
government, he soon began to
conceive of a revolutionary
project of his own, a sweeping
conceive of a revolutionary
project of his own, a sweeping
network of limited-access
project of his own, a sweeping
network of limited-access
roadways, the first of their
network of limited-access
roadways, the first of their
kind in the world, leading out
roadways, the first of their
kind in the world, leading out
to a vast system of public parks
kind in the world, leading out
to a vast system of public parks
and beaches that would open the
to a vast system of public parks
and beaches that would open the
hinterlands of Long Island to
and beaches that would open the
hinterlands of Long Island to
millions of New Yorkers starved
hinterlands of Long Island to
millions of New Yorkers starved
for open spaces and begin to
millions of New Yorkers starved
for open spaces and begin to
fulfill the promise of the
for open spaces and begin to
fulfill the promise of the
automotive age.
Fulfill the promise of the
automotive age.
CARO: Nothing on a scale like
automotive age.
CARO: Nothing on a scale like
this had ever been conceived of.
CARO: Nothing on a scale like
this had ever been conceived of.
He wanted people to drive to
this had ever been conceived of.
He wanted people to drive to
beauty, to a park, through a
He wanted people to drive to
beauty, to a park, through a
park.
Beauty, to a park, through a
park.
He called them ribbon parks and
park.
He called them ribbon parks and
every aspect of them was going
He called them ribbon parks and
every aspect of them was going
to be beautiful.
Every aspect of them was going
to be beautiful.
NARRATOR: On April 18, 1924,
to be beautiful.
NARRATOR: On April 18, 1924,
Smith put Moses in charge of
NARRATOR: On April 18, 1924,
Smith put Moses in charge of
what was now officially called
Smith put Moses in charge of
what was now officially called
the Long Island State Park
what was now officially called
the Long Island State Park
Commission.
The Long Island State Park
Commission.
After decades of dreaming, he
Commission.
After decades of dreaming, he
would finally get a chance to
After decades of dreaming, he
would finally get a chance to
build.
Would finally get a chance to
build.
And build he did, with a single-
build.
And build he did, with a single-
minded drive and ferocity that
And build he did, with a single-
minded drive and ferocity that
stunned everyone who came in
minded drive and ferocity that
stunned everyone who came in
contact with him, riding
stunned everyone who came in
contact with him, riding
roughshod over long-entrenched
contact with him, riding
roughshod over long-entrenched
interests, bullying private
roughshod over long-entrenched
interests, bullying private
landowners and millionaires,
interests, bullying private
landowners and millionaires,
and, when necessary, swaying
landowners and millionaires,
and, when necessary, swaying
local political bosses by
and, when necessary, swaying
local political bosses by
offering inside information on
local political bosses by
offering inside information on
the layout of his proposed
offering inside information on
the layout of his proposed
roadways.
The layout of his proposed
roadways.
MARSHALL BERMAN: You could
roadways.
MARSHALL BERMAN: You could
say that the city was part of a
MARSHALL BERMAN: You could
say that the city was part of a
larger continuity, that it was
say that the city was part of a
larger continuity, that it was
part of a flow, and cars became
larger continuity, that it was
part of a flow, and cars became
an essential metaphor for him
part of a flow, and cars became
an essential metaphor for him
and the flow of traffic as
an essential metaphor for him
and the flow of traffic as
opening up a new possibility for
and the flow of traffic as
opening up a new possibility for
cities.
Opening up a new possibility for
cities.
Maybe you could see him saying
cities.
Maybe you could see him saying
that cities and citizens of them
Maybe you could see him saying
that cities and citizens of them
didn't have to be stuck; that he
that cities and citizens of them
didn't have to be stuck; that he
would have seen the block, the
didn't have to be stuck; that he
would have seen the block, the
street, the neighborhood as
would have seen the block, the
street, the neighborhood as
obstacles.
And he felt that now you can
overcome these obstacles.
Overcome these obstacles.
You can get into the flow.
You can get into the flow.
And, you know, he built the
And, you know, he built the
flow.
Flow.
He created the flow.
And he had a great skill at
And he had a great skill at
putting this across to the
public.
Putting this across to the
public.
"Wouldn't you like to go with
public.
"Wouldn't you like to go with
the flow?
"Wouldn't you like to go with
the flow?
Wouldn't you like to flow?
The flow?
Wouldn't you like to flow?
Isn't it better than just
Wouldn't you like to flow?
Isn't it better than just
hanging out?"
Isn't it better than just
hanging out?"
CARO: It took Moses six or
hanging out?"
CARO: It took Moses six or
seven years of fighting with Al
CARO: It took Moses six or
seven years of fighting with Al
Smith behind him to hack out
seven years of fighting with Al
Smith behind him to hack out
that park and parkway system for
Smith behind him to hack out
that park and parkway system for
Long Island, but when he did it,
that park and parkway system for
Long Island, but when he did it,
when Jones Beach opened in 1929,
Long Island, but when he did it,
when Jones Beach opened in 1929,
the whole world came to praise
when Jones Beach opened in 1929,
the whole world came to praise
it.
The whole world came to praise
it.
No one had ever seen anything
it.
No one had ever seen anything
like it.
No one had ever seen anything
like it.
And who came?
Like it.
And who came?
The young, urban builders, the
And who came?
The young, urban builders, the
people who wanted to build
The young, urban builders, the
people who wanted to build
roads, who wanted to build
people who wanted to build
roads, who wanted to build
parkways, who wanted to build
roads, who wanted to build
parkways, who wanted to build
state parks they came to
parkways, who wanted to build
state parks they came to
Robert Moses to learn how to do
state parks they came to
Robert Moses to learn how to do
it.
Robert Moses to learn how to do
it.
So he was not only America's
it.
So he was not only America's
greatest road builder, but he
So he was not only America's
greatest road builder, but he
was the man who taught the other
greatest road builder, but he
was the man who taught the other
road builders.
Was the man who taught the other
road builders.
NARRATOR: By 1929, Robert
road builders.
NARRATOR: By 1929, Robert
Moses had helped set in motion
NARRATOR: By 1929, Robert
Moses had helped set in motion
one of the most fateful
Moses had helped set in motion
one of the most fateful
transformations the city and its
one of the most fateful
transformations the city and its
surroundings would ever undergo,
transformations the city and its
surroundings would ever undergo,
opening the region beyond the
surroundings would ever undergo,
opening the region beyond the
city's borders to the reality of
opening the region beyond the
city's borders to the reality of
the automobile.
City's borders to the reality of
the automobile.
Now, as the private energies of
the automobile.
Now, as the private energies of
the 1920s gave way to the public
Now, as the private energies of
the 1920s gave way to the public
crisis of the 1930s, he would
the 1920s gave way to the public
crisis of the 1930s, he would
finally get a chance to
crisis of the 1930s, he would
finally get a chance to
transform the city itself,
finally get a chance to
transform the city itself,
which, for better or for worse,
transform the city itself,
which, for better or for worse,
would never be the same again.
Which, for better or for worse,
would never be the same again.
FREEMAN: Up through the
would never be the same again.
FREEMAN: Up through the
depression, the federal
FREEMAN: Up through the
depression, the federal
government had almost no
depression, the federal
government had almost no
involvement in funding urban
government had almost no
involvement in funding urban
functions.
Involvement in funding urban
functions.
They just didn't pay for things
functions.
They just didn't pay for things
that happened in cities.
They just didn't pay for things
that happened in cities.
But the New Deal changes all
that happened in cities.
But the New Deal changes all
that and they begin a whole new
But the New Deal changes all
that and they begin a whole new
phase in American history in
that and they begin a whole new
phase in American history in
which the federal government
phase in American history in
which the federal government
funds local enterprises.
Which the federal government
funds local enterprises.
Because one main reason for
funds local enterprises.
Because one main reason for
doing this is to get the economy
Because one main reason for
doing this is to get the economy
going, get cash flowing, the
doing this is to get the economy
going, get cash flowing, the
Roosevelt administration is very
going, get cash flowing, the
Roosevelt administration is very
eager for things that can start
Roosevelt administration is very
eager for things that can start
quickly.
Eager for things that can start
quickly.
And one of the geniuses of
quickly.
And one of the geniuses of
Robert Moses is that he
And one of the geniuses of
Robert Moses is that he
understood that opportunities
Robert Moses is that he
understood that opportunities
would arise and he had plans in
understood that opportunities
would arise and he had plans in
his back pocket sometimes just
would arise and he had plans in
his back pocket sometimes just
in the back of his head, but
his back pocket sometimes just
in the back of his head, but
sometimes more than that that
in the back of his head, but
sometimes more than that that
can be pulled out of a drawer
sometimes more than that that
can be pulled out of a drawer
and put in place extremely
can be pulled out of a drawer
and put in place extremely
quickly.
And put in place extremely
quickly.
NARRATOR: From the day he
quickly.
NARRATOR: From the day he
took office as New York City
NARRATOR: From the day he
took office as New York City
parks commissioner on January
took office as New York City
parks commissioner on January
19, 1934, Robert Moses would
parks commissioner on January
19, 1934, Robert Moses would
become the epicenter of a
19, 1934, Robert Moses would
become the epicenter of a
whirlwind of public building,
become the epicenter of a
whirlwind of public building,
reaching out to every corner of
whirlwind of public building,
reaching out to every corner of
the city.
Reaching out to every corner of
the city.
He had accepted the job only on
the city.
He had accepted the job only on
certain conditions: that he be
He had accepted the job only on
certain conditions: that he be
given absolute control over
certain conditions: that he be
given absolute control over
every park in the city, that he
given absolute control over
every park in the city, that he
retain the state post Al Smith
every park in the city, that he
retain the state post Al Smith
had given him, and that he be
retain the state post Al Smith
had given him, and that he be
granted still larger powers as
had given him, and that he be
granted still larger powers as
head of the moribund Triborough
granted still larger powers as
head of the moribund Triborough
Bridge Authority, an immense
head of the moribund Triborough
Bridge Authority, an immense
public-works project that had
Bridge Authority, an immense
public-works project that had
languished so long people had
public-works project that had
languished so long people had
started calling it the bridge to
languished so long people had
started calling it the bridge to
nowhere.
Started calling it the bridge to
nowhere.
Eager to begin rebuilding the
nowhere.
Eager to begin rebuilding the
battered city, La Guardia
Eager to begin rebuilding the
battered city, La Guardia
agreed, and in the end, Moses
battered city, La Guardia
agreed, and in the end, Moses
himself drafted the special
agreed, and in the end, Moses
himself drafted the special
legislation creating his new
himself drafted the special
legislation creating his new
position, then, within hours of
legislation creating his new
position, then, within hours of
taking office, swiftly fired all
position, then, within hours of
taking office, swiftly fired all
the old borough commissioners
taking office, swiftly fired all
the old borough commissioners
and their staff and set to work.
The old borough commissioners
and their staff and set to work.
CARO: The parks were in
and their staff and set to work.
CARO: The parks were in
complete disrepair.
CARO: The parks were in
complete disrepair.
The Central Park Zoo Tammany,
complete disrepair.
The Central Park Zoo Tammany,
of course, had let it go
The Central Park Zoo Tammany,
of course, had let it go
completely without repair.
Of course, had let it go
completely without repair.
The cages were so rotten that
completely without repair.
The cages were so rotten that
they were afraid that the lions
The cages were so rotten that
they were afraid that the lions
and tigers might break out.
They were afraid that the lions
and tigers might break out.
But instead of repairing the
and tigers might break out.
But instead of repairing the
cages, they hired Tammany men to
But instead of repairing the
cages, they hired Tammany men to
sit at the entrances of the zoo
cages, they hired Tammany men to
sit at the entrances of the zoo
with shotguns to shoot the
sit at the entrances of the zoo
with shotguns to shoot the
animals in case there was a fire
with shotguns to shoot the
animals in case there was a fire
or the cages broke.
Animals in case there was a fire
or the cages broke.
NARRATOR: Armed with New Deal
or the cages broke.
NARRATOR: Armed with New Deal
funds, Moses exploded into
NARRATOR: Armed with New Deal
funds, Moses exploded into
action, turning first to the
funds, Moses exploded into
action, turning first to the
city's dilapidated parks.
Action, turning first to the
city's dilapidated parks.
Within days, he had sent for the
city's dilapidated parks.
Within days, he had sent for the
crack team of men he had used on
Within days, he had sent for the
crack team of men he had used on
Long Island, then hired more
crack team of men he had used on
Long Island, then hired more
than 600 unemployed architects
Long Island, then hired more
than 600 unemployed architects
and engineers, along with a team
than 600 unemployed architects
and engineers, along with a team
of hard-driving Irish foremen,
and engineers, along with a team
of hard-driving Irish foremen,
who quickly whipped an army of
of hard-driving Irish foremen,
who quickly whipped an army of
newly recruited relief workers
who quickly whipped an army of
newly recruited relief workers
into a disciplined construction
newly recruited relief workers
into a disciplined construction
force 80,000 strong.
Into a disciplined construction
force 80,000 strong.
All through the winter of 1934,
force 80,000 strong.
All through the winter of 1934,
triple shifts of workers labored
All through the winter of 1934,
triple shifts of workers labored
round the clock to meet the
triple shifts of workers labored
round the clock to meet the
master builder's punishing
round the clock to meet the
master builder's punishing
timetable.
Master builder's punishing
timetable.
By the first warm weekend in
timetable.
By the first warm weekend in
May, Moses's workforce had
By the first warm weekend in
May, Moses's workforce had
completely transformed every
May, Moses's workforce had
completely transformed every
public park and green space in
completely transformed every
public park and green space in
the city, more than 1,700
public park and green space in
the city, more than 1,700
renovation projects in all,
the city, more than 1,700
renovation projects in all,
including Central Park itself,
renovation projects in all,
including Central Park itself,
where before the year was out, a
including Central Park itself,
where before the year was out, a
magnificent new zoo had arisen
where before the year was out, a
magnificent new zoo had arisen
on the crumbling ruins of the
magnificent new zoo had arisen
on the crumbling ruins of the
old.
On the crumbling ruins of the
old.
LA GUARDIA: Ladies and
old.
LA GUARDIA: Ladies and
Gentlemen, children, you will
LA GUARDIA: Ladies and
Gentlemen, children, you will
find there another of the actual
Gentlemen, children, you will
find there another of the actual
living proof that New York City
find there another of the actual
living proof that New York City
is getting something out of its
living proof that New York City
is getting something out of its
relief expenditures.
Is getting something out of its
relief expenditures.
We seek to put them to useful
relief expenditures.
We seek to put them to useful
work and hardly a week passes
We seek to put them to useful
work and hardly a week passes
but in the Park Department there
work and hardly a week passes
but in the Park Department there
is completed one of these work
but in the Park Department there
is completed one of these work
projects.
Is completed one of these work
projects.
( cheering and applause)
projects.
( cheering and applause)
NARRATOR: As signs of life
( cheering and applause)
NARRATOR: As signs of life
began to stir in the city for
NARRATOR: As signs of life
began to stir in the city for
the first time in half a decade,
began to stir in the city for
the first time in half a decade,
hope began to rise in the hearts
the first time in half a decade,
hope began to rise in the hearts
of New Yorkers, and it was only
hope began to rise in the hearts
of New Yorkers, and it was only
the beginning.
Of New Yorkers, and it was only
the beginning.
In little more than half a
the beginning.
In little more than half a
decade, boldly stretching the
In little more than half a
decade, boldly stretching the
definition of "parks" to include
decade, boldly stretching the
definition of "parks" to include
limited-access parkways and
definition of "parks" to include
limited-access parkways and
wresting money could from any
limited-access parkways and
wresting money could from any
source he could, Robert Moses
wresting money could from any
source he could, Robert Moses
would begin to construct the
source he could, Robert Moses
would begin to construct the
first urban highway system in
would begin to construct the
first urban highway system in
the world, connected to a
first urban highway system in
the world, connected to a
breathtaking network of tunnels,
the world, connected to a
breathtaking network of tunnels,
viaducts, causeways, and
breathtaking network of tunnels,
viaducts, causeways, and
bridges, that would begin to
viaducts, causeways, and
bridges, that would begin to
adapt the old city grid to the
bridges, that would begin to
adapt the old city grid to the
reality of the automobile and
adapt the old city grid to the
reality of the automobile and
knit the entire region into a
reality of the automobile and
knit the entire region into a
single coherent whole.
Knit the entire region into a
single coherent whole.
WALLACE: The '30s, of course,
single coherent whole.
WALLACE: The '30s, of course,
is all about concrete.
WALLACE: The '30s, of course,
is all about concrete.
Really it's the '30s that
is all about concrete.
Really it's the '30s that
finishes off mass transit as a
Really it's the '30s that
finishes off mass transit as a
possible contender for future
finishes off mass transit as a
possible contender for future
transport-based operations in
possible contender for future
transport-based operations in
the city.
Transport-based operations in
the city.
You know, what the auto industry
the city.
You know, what the auto industry
was able to do was to get public
You know, what the auto industry
was able to do was to get public
money pouring into constructing
was able to do was to get public
money pouring into constructing
the infrastructure that they
money pouring into constructing
the infrastructure that they
wanted.
The infrastructure that they
wanted.
And with WPA money, in fact,
wanted.
And with WPA money, in fact,
they rip up miles and miles of
And with WPA money, in fact,
they rip up miles and miles of
streetcars in city after city
they rip up miles and miles of
streetcars in city after city
around the country, run them
streetcars in city after city
around the country, run them
into the ground, shut them down.
Around the country, run them
into the ground, shut them down.
It is true that La Guardia does
into the ground, shut them down.
It is true that La Guardia does
maintain the subway system.
It is true that La Guardia does
maintain the subway system.
He picks up the bankrupt IRT.
Maintain the subway system.
He picks up the bankrupt IRT.
He does push for new lines.
He picks up the bankrupt IRT.
He does push for new lines.
But above ground La Guardia is a
He does push for new lines.
But above ground La Guardia is a
car man.
But above ground La Guardia is a
car man.
La Guardia believes that this is
car man.
La Guardia believes that this is
modern, this is cutting edge,
La Guardia believes that this is
modern, this is cutting edge,
this is the wave of the future.
Modern, this is cutting edge,
this is the wave of the future.
So what Moses is doing is the
this is the wave of the future.
So what Moses is doing is the
executor of this program.
So what Moses is doing is the
executor of this program.
The federal government New
executor of this program.
The federal government New
Deal money just cascades into
The federal government New
Deal money just cascades into
the city.
Deal money just cascades into
the city.
And very much in the Olmsted
the city.
And very much in the Olmsted
tradition, he's going to build a
And very much in the Olmsted
tradition, he's going to build a
series of connecting highways.
Tradition, he's going to build a
series of connecting highways.
NARRATOR: Before the decade
series of connecting highways.
NARRATOR: Before the decade
was out, a great circumferential
NARRATOR: Before the decade
was out, a great circumferential
parkway had begun to sweep
was out, a great circumferential
parkway had begun to sweep
around Brooklyn from the East
parkway had begun to sweep
around Brooklyn from the East
River to the Atlantic; a
around Brooklyn from the East
River to the Atlantic; a
ravishing bridge had leapt over
River to the Atlantic; a
ravishing bridge had leapt over
the Harlem River, connecting
ravishing bridge had leapt over
the Harlem River, connecting
Manhattan and the Bronx; and the
the Harlem River, connecting
Manhattan and the Bronx; and the
revolutionary West Side
Manhattan and the Bronx; and the
revolutionary West Side
Improvement, a gorgeously
revolutionary West Side
Improvement, a gorgeously
landscaped, six-and-a-half-mile-
Improvement, a gorgeously
landscaped, six-and-a-half-mile-
long urban symphony, part park
landscaped, six-and-a-half-mile-
long urban symphony, part park
and part parkway, had begun to
long urban symphony, part park
and part parkway, had begun to
sweep majestically down the west
and part parkway, had begun to
sweep majestically down the west
side of Manhattan along the
sweep majestically down the west
side of Manhattan along the
Hudson River.
Side of Manhattan along the
Hudson River.
Covering over the old New York
Hudson River.
Covering over the old New York
Central tracks and transforming
Covering over the old New York
Central tracks and transforming
Riverside Park from an urban
Central tracks and transforming
Riverside Park from an urban
wasteland into a piece of urban
Riverside Park from an urban
wasteland into a piece of urban
poetry, the seductively curving
wasteland into a piece of urban
poetry, the seductively curving
drive gave motorists an
poetry, the seductively curving
drive gave motorists an
experience of the city they had
drive gave motorists an
experience of the city they had
never had before the ravishing
experience of the city they had
never had before the ravishing
towers of midtown Manhattan
never had before the ravishing
towers of midtown Manhattan
looming above the lush greenness
towers of midtown Manhattan
looming above the lush greenness
of the park in a shimmering
looming above the lush greenness
of the park in a shimmering
landscape that, as in a movie or
of the park in a shimmering
landscape that, as in a movie or
a dream, was constantly
landscape that, as in a movie or
a dream, was constantly
shifting, constantly changing,
a dream, was constantly
shifting, constantly changing,
and always in motion.
Shifting, constantly changing,
and always in motion.
CARO: No one has ever been
and always in motion.
CARO: No one has ever been
able to know how much money
CARO: No one has ever been
able to know how much money
Robert Moses spent on the West
able to know how much money
Robert Moses spent on the West
Side Improvement.
Robert Moses spent on the West
Side Improvement.
I finally concluded that the
Side Improvement.
I finally concluded that the
amount that he spent was at
I finally concluded that the
amount that he spent was at
least $180 million, but it was
amount that he spent was at
least $180 million, but it was
almost certainly well over $200
least $180 million, but it was
almost certainly well over $200
million a quarter of a billion
almost certainly well over $200
million a quarter of a billion
dollars on a public work in
million a quarter of a billion
dollars on a public work in
1930s America.
Dollars on a public work in
1930s America.
And, you know, the chorus of
1930s America.
And, you know, the chorus of
praise for this highway was just
And, you know, the chorus of
praise for this highway was just
fantastic.
Praise for this highway was just
fantastic.
And one editorial said, "The
fantastic.
And one editorial said, "The
railroad tracks are covered at
And one editorial said, "The
railroad tracks are covered at
last."
railroad tracks are covered at
last."
NARRATOR: And yet, in scale
last."
NARRATOR: And yet, in scale
and audacity, even the West Side
NARRATOR: And yet, in scale
and audacity, even the West Side
Improvement paled before that of
and audacity, even the West Side
Improvement paled before that of
another giant public work, the
Improvement paled before that of
another giant public work, the
Triborough Bridge, an epic
another giant public work, the
Triborough Bridge, an epic
complex of roadways and bridges
Triborough Bridge, an epic
complex of roadways and bridges
that lay at the very heart of
complex of roadways and bridges
that lay at the very heart of
Robert Moses's new
that lay at the very heart of
Robert Moses's new
transportation system.
Robert Moses's new
transportation system.
CARO: And there it is very
transportation system.
CARO: And there it is very
clear what we mean by Robert
CARO: And there it is very
clear what we mean by Robert
Moses as the shaper of New York.
Clear what we mean by Robert
Moses as the shaper of New York.
The glaciers that had rumbled
Moses as the shaper of New York.
The glaciers that had rumbled
down from Hudson Bay eons before
The glaciers that had rumbled
down from Hudson Bay eons before
had torn Long Island, which
down from Hudson Bay eons before
had torn Long Island, which
carries, of course, Brooklyn and
had torn Long Island, which
carries, of course, Brooklyn and
Queens, loose from the mainland
carries, of course, Brooklyn and
Queens, loose from the mainland
of the United States.
Queens, loose from the mainland
of the United States.
Robert Moses stitched it back
of the United States.
Robert Moses stitched it back
together again with the
Robert Moses stitched it back
together again with the
Triborough bridge.
Together again with the
Triborough bridge.
If you look at New York from the
Triborough bridge.
If you look at New York from the
air, you see an incredible fact
If you look at New York from the
air, you see an incredible fact
that three great boroughs of the
air, you see an incredible fact
that three great boroughs of the
city, Manhattan, the Bronx, and
that three great boroughs of the
city, Manhattan, the Bronx, and
Queens, rush together.
City, Manhattan, the Bronx, and
Queens, rush together.
The streets appear to be rushing
Queens, rush together.
The streets appear to be rushing
together.
The streets appear to be rushing
together.
And all of a sudden, at the
together.
And all of a sudden, at the
point that they're rushing
And all of a sudden, at the
point that they're rushing
together, they're held apart by
point that they're rushing
together, they're held apart by
these narrow bands of water, in
together, they're held apart by
these narrow bands of water, in
the middle of which is Randalls
these narrow bands of water, in
the middle of which is Randalls
and Wards Island.
The middle of which is Randalls
and Wards Island.
By building Triborough and
and Wards Island.
By building Triborough and
uniting these three boroughs, he
By building Triborough and
uniting these three boroughs, he
was uniting the city; he was
uniting these three boroughs, he
was uniting the city; he was
repairing single-handedly what
was uniting the city; he was
repairing single-handedly what
nature had done.
Repairing single-handedly what
nature had done.
NARRATOR: Despite its name,
nature had done.
NARRATOR: Despite its name,
Triborough was not really a
NARRATOR: Despite its name,
Triborough was not really a
bridge at all, but three giant
Triborough was not really a
bridge at all, but three giant
bridges in one "a rendezvous
bridge at all, but three giant
bridges in one "a rendezvous
of bridges," one man later
bridges in one "a rendezvous
of bridges," one man later
said together with 13,500 feet
of bridges," one man later
said together with 13,500 feet
of elevated viaduct and 14 miles
said together with 13,500 feet
of elevated viaduct and 14 miles
of roadway "a traffic
of elevated viaduct and 14 miles
of roadway "a traffic
machine," another man said, "the
of roadway "a traffic
machine," another man said, "the
largest ever built."
machine," another man said, "the
largest ever built."
CARO: Mighty Triborough
Largest ever built."
CARO: Mighty Triborough
this is just one part of it.
CARO: Mighty Triborough
this is just one part of it.
It's the largest vertical-lift
this is just one part of it.
It's the largest vertical-lift
bridge in the world, which means
It's the largest vertical-lift
bridge in the world, which means
that that center span you're
bridge in the world, which means
that that center span you're
looking at has to rise 80 feet
that that center span you're
looking at has to rise 80 feet
in the air vertically between
looking at has to rise 80 feet
in the air vertically between
the two towers every time a
in the air vertically between
the two towers every time a
large ship passes.
The two towers every time a
large ship passes.
If you were standing here in
large ship passes.
If you were standing here in
1934 and '35 when they were
If you were standing here in
1934 and '35 when they were
putting in the girders for this
1934 and '35 when they were
putting in the girders for this
span, each girder was as big as
putting in the girders for this
span, each girder was as big as
a ten-room ranch house and it
span, each girder was as big as
a ten-room ranch house and it
was so big that one barge or two
a ten-room ranch house and it
was so big that one barge or two
barges couldn't carry it.
Was so big that one barge or two
barges couldn't carry it.
Four or five barges would be
barges couldn't carry it.
Four or five barges would be
lashed together and they'd come
Four or five barges would be
lashed together and they'd come
up this river pushed by a whole
lashed together and they'd come
up this river pushed by a whole
covey of tugboats until they got
up this river pushed by a whole
covey of tugboats until they got
it into position.
Covey of tugboats until they got
it into position.
Remember, this was in the middle
it into position.
Remember, this was in the middle
of the depression.
Remember, this was in the middle
of the depression.
There was so much concrete in
of the depression.
There was so much concrete in
this bridge that they had to
There was so much concrete in
this bridge that they had to
reopen cement factories from
this bridge that they had to
reopen cement factories from
Maine to Mississippi.
Reopen cement factories from
Maine to Mississippi.
To make the wood for the forms
Maine to Mississippi.
To make the wood for the forms
to hold the concrete, a whole
To make the wood for the forms
to hold the concrete, a whole
forest had to be cut down in
to hold the concrete, a whole
forest had to be cut down in
Oregon.
Forest had to be cut down in
Oregon.
5,000 men at a time were working
Oregon.
5,000 men at a time were working
on these islands on the bridge.
5,000 men at a time were working
on these islands on the bridge.
And of course, the 5,000 men
on these islands on the bridge.
And of course, the 5,000 men
were only putting into place the
And of course, the 5,000 men
were only putting into place the
materials that had been created,
were only putting into place the
materials that had been created,
the steel, et cetera, by many
materials that had been created,
the steel, et cetera, by many
times 5,000 men.
The steel, et cetera, by many
times 5,000 men.
31 million man-hours of work
times 5,000 men.
31 million man-hours of work
went into the Triborough bridge
31 million man-hours of work
went into the Triborough bridge
in 134 cities in 20 states.
Went into the Triborough bridge
in 134 cities in 20 states.
In the middle of the depression,
in 134 cities in 20 states.
In the middle of the depression,
this one project really
In the middle of the depression,
this one project really
galvanized things across the
this one project really
galvanized things across the
United States.
Galvanized things across the
United States.
STERN: The Triborough Bridge,
United States.
STERN: The Triborough Bridge,
with its Art Deco detailing,
STERN: The Triborough Bridge,
with its Art Deco detailing,
with its cloverleaf arrangements
with its Art Deco detailing,
with its cloverleaf arrangements
of ramps connecting not only the
with its cloverleaf arrangements
of ramps connecting not only the
three boroughs, but the parks
of ramps connecting not only the
three boroughs, but the parks
which he reclaimed on the
three boroughs, but the parks
which he reclaimed on the
islands below, is an
which he reclaimed on the
islands below, is an
unbelievably complicated and
islands below, is an
unbelievably complicated and
beautiful piece of engineering.
Unbelievably complicated and
beautiful piece of engineering.
It's highway building lifted to
beautiful piece of engineering.
It's highway building lifted to
the art of sculpture in motion.
It's highway building lifted to
the art of sculpture in motion.
It's fantastic.
The art of sculpture in motion.
It's fantastic.
Under his direction, we got some
It's fantastic.
Under his direction, we got some
of the greatest public works the
Under his direction, we got some
of the greatest public works the
world has ever seen.
Of the greatest public works the
world has ever seen.
NARRATOR: The massive
world has ever seen.
NARRATOR: The massive
structure was finally opened on
NARRATOR: The massive
structure was finally opened on
July 11, 1936, in an awe-
structure was finally opened on
July 11, 1936, in an awe-
inspiring ceremony broadcast by
July 11, 1936, in an awe-
inspiring ceremony broadcast by
radio across the entire nation.
Inspiring ceremony broadcast by
radio across the entire nation.
It was, one government official
radio across the entire nation.
It was, one government official
said simply, "one of the
It was, one government official
said simply, "one of the
greatest accomplishments of
said simply, "one of the
greatest accomplishments of
man."
greatest accomplishments of
man."
President Roosevelt himself gave
man."
President Roosevelt himself gave
the keynote address, but it was
President Roosevelt himself gave
the keynote address, but it was
Robert Moses who was the
the keynote address, but it was
Robert Moses who was the
undisputed hero of the day.
Robert Moses who was the
undisputed hero of the day.
READER: "We are definitely in
undisputed hero of the day.
READER: "We are definitely in
an era of building, the best
READER: "We are definitely in
an era of building, the best
kind of building the building
an era of building, the best
kind of building the building
of great public projects for the
kind of building the building
of great public projects for the
benefit of the public and with
of great public projects for the
benefit of the public and with
the object of building human
benefit of the public and with
the object of building human
happiness."
the object of building human
happiness."
Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Happiness."
Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
NARRATOR: Year after year, as
Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
NARRATOR: Year after year, as
one immense public-works project
NARRATOR: Year after year, as
one immense public-works project
after another rose in New York
one immense public-works project
after another rose in New York
City, the frenzy of construction
after another rose in New York
City, the frenzy of construction
became a heart-stopping symbol
City, the frenzy of construction
became a heart-stopping symbol
of civic rebirth and renewal,
became a heart-stopping symbol
of civic rebirth and renewal,
holding out the promise, one man
of civic rebirth and renewal,
holding out the promise, one man
later said, "of a glorious
holding out the promise, one man
later said, "of a glorious
future, just over the horizon,
later said, "of a glorious
future, just over the horizon,
not merely for the privileged
future, just over the horizon,
not merely for the privileged
few, but for the people as a
not merely for the privileged
few, but for the people as a
whole."
few, but for the people as a
whole."
Robert Moses himself was certain
whole."
Robert Moses himself was certain
he held the keys to the city's
Robert Moses himself was certain
he held the keys to the city's
future.
He held the keys to the city's
future.
"There are people who like
future.
"There are people who like
things as they are," he
"There are people who like
things as they are," he
declared.
Things as they are," he
declared.
"I can't hold out any hope to
declared.
"I can't hold out any hope to
them.
"I can't hold out any hope to
them.
They have to keep moving further
them.
They have to keep moving further
away.
They have to keep moving further
away.
This is a great big state and
away.
This is a great big state and
there are also other states.
This is a great big state and
there are also other states.
Let them go to the Rockies."
there are also other states.
Let them go to the Rockies."
GREENBERG: Well, he's
Let them go to the Rockies."
GREENBERG: Well, he's
absolutely the right man at the
GREENBERG: Well, he's
absolutely the right man at the
right moment.
Absolutely the right man at the
right moment.
There's no question about it.
Right moment.
There's no question about it.
He has his own vision for what
There's no question about it.
He has his own vision for what
New York could be and what
He has his own vision for what
New York could be and what
cities can be and suddenly he
New York could be and what
cities can be and suddenly he
has an opportunity to put that
cities can be and suddenly he
has an opportunity to put that
into practice.
Has an opportunity to put that
into practice.
He's got manpower through the
into practice.
He's got manpower through the
WPA.
He's got manpower through the
WPA.
He's got money.
WPA.
He's got money.
He's got a city that is
He's got money.
He's got a city that is
devastated and needs an
He's got a city that is
devastated and needs an
infrastructure.
Devastated and needs an
infrastructure.
And he's tremendously creative
infrastructure.
And he's tremendously creative
and smart and gifted and really
And he's tremendously creative
and smart and gifted and really
has a vision that he really
and smart and gifted and really
has a vision that he really
tries to implement.
Has a vision that he really
tries to implement.
Sometimes that came at the
tries to implement.
Sometimes that came at the
expense of other things.
Sometimes that came at the
expense of other things.
Sometimes it came with a vision
expense of other things.
Sometimes it came with a vision
that we no longer have.
Sometimes it came with a vision
that we no longer have.
He built highways right on the
that we no longer have.
He built highways right on the
river because in his day you
He built highways right on the
river because in his day you
drove for recreation and that's
river because in his day you
drove for recreation and that's
what you saw.
Drove for recreation and that's
what you saw.
Now we have highways blocking
what you saw.
Now we have highways blocking
our views of the river.
Now we have highways blocking
our views of the river.
But at the time it was a vision
our views of the river.
But at the time it was a vision
about how to integrate the
But at the time it was a vision
about how to integrate the
landscape and make it work for
about how to integrate the
landscape and make it work for
human beings that transformed
landscape and make it work for
human beings that transformed
the city and people's lives in
human beings that transformed
the city and people's lives in
it.
The city and people's lives in
it.
NARRATOR: In retrospect,
it.
NARRATOR: In retrospect,
however, the opening of the
NARRATOR: In retrospect,
however, the opening of the
Triborough Bridge would seem to
however, the opening of the
Triborough Bridge would seem to
some to mark a fateful turning
Triborough Bridge would seem to
some to mark a fateful turning
point in the culture of the
some to mark a fateful turning
point in the culture of the
automobile in New York, and in
point in the culture of the
automobile in New York, and in
the career of Robert Moses, in
automobile in New York, and in
the career of Robert Moses, in
ways New Yorkers themselves did
the career of Robert Moses, in
ways New Yorkers themselves did
not fully comprehend at the time
ways New Yorkers themselves did
not fully comprehend at the time
and with consequences that would
not fully comprehend at the time
and with consequences that would
not be fully felt for decades.
And with consequences that would
not be fully felt for decades.
CRAIG STEVEN WILDER: Robert
not be fully felt for decades.
CRAIG STEVEN WILDER: Robert
Moses is the paradox of urban
CRAIG STEVEN WILDER: Robert
Moses is the paradox of urban
history in the 20th century.
Moses is the paradox of urban
history in the 20th century.
Every city in the United States
history in the 20th century.
Every city in the United States
wanted a Robert Moses.
Every city in the United States
wanted a Robert Moses.
Every city wanted a Bob Moses
wanted a Robert Moses.
Every city wanted a Bob Moses
building bigger roads, faster
Every city wanted a Bob Moses
building bigger roads, faster
expressways, and more of them.
Building bigger roads, faster
expressways, and more of them.
And Moses was extraordinarily
expressways, and more of them.
And Moses was extraordinarily
good at actually shaping the
And Moses was extraordinarily
good at actually shaping the
physical city and getting things
good at actually shaping the
physical city and getting things
done.
I think the damage that Moses
did is actually very real, so
did is actually very real, so
that the other side of the coin
that the other side of the coin
is Bob Moses is actually an
is Bob Moses is actually an
embodiment of the fact that in
embodiment of the fact that in
the 20th century we put the
the 20th century we put the
physical prominence of the city
physical prominence of the city
before its people.
We actually fetished the urban
We actually fetished the urban
form and forgot the human beings
who live there.
Form and forgot the human beings
who live there.
NARRATOR: Less than five
who live there.
NARRATOR: Less than five
weeks after the opening of the
NARRATOR: Less than five
weeks after the opening of the
Triborough Bridge, built to
weeks after the opening of the
Triborough Bridge, built to
decrease congestion in the city,
Triborough Bridge, built to
decrease congestion in the city,
New Yorkers got a glimpse of the
decrease congestion in the city,
New Yorkers got a glimpse of the
future the automobile was
New Yorkers got a glimpse of the
future the automobile was
beginning to usher in when on
future the automobile was
beginning to usher in when on
August 17, 1936, the biggest
beginning to usher in when on
August 17, 1936, the biggest
traffic jam in the history of
August 17, 1936, the biggest
traffic jam in the history of
the metropolitan region brought
traffic jam in the history of
the metropolitan region brought
cars on the Long Island parkways
the metropolitan region brought
cars on the Long Island parkways
to a standstill.
Cars on the Long Island parkways
to a standstill.
CARO: You know, the lesson of
to a standstill.
CARO: You know, the lesson of
New York I mean, if you look
CARO: You know, the lesson of
New York I mean, if you look
at Moses's career when it turns
New York I mean, if you look
at Moses's career when it turns
dark he refused to take into
at Moses's career when it turns
dark he refused to take into
account the effect what we
dark he refused to take into
account the effect what we
call today traffic generation
Account the effect what we
call today traffic generation
of his facilities: the fact that
call today traffic generation
of his facilities: the fact that
by building a road, by building
of his facilities: the fact that
by building a road, by building
a bridge, by building a tunnel,
by building a road, by building
a bridge, by building a tunnel,
you are in itself increasing
a bridge, by building a tunnel,
you are in itself increasing
traffic.
You are in itself increasing
traffic.
So whatever benefits you are
traffic.
So whatever benefits you are
expecting to get is going to be
So whatever benefits you are
expecting to get is going to be
immediately reduced.
Expecting to get is going to be
immediately reduced.
For example, when he said the
immediately reduced.
For example, when he said the
Triborough Bridge will solve the
For example, when he said the
Triborough Bridge will solve the
traffic problem on the East
Triborough Bridge will solve the
traffic problem on the East
River bridges, the
traffic problem on the East
River bridges, the
Queensborough, et cetera, he
River bridges, the
Queensborough, et cetera, he
opened the Triborough Bridge,
Queensborough, et cetera, he
opened the Triborough Bridge,
the traffic was far heavier than
opened the Triborough Bridge,
the traffic was far heavier than
he predicted.
The traffic was far heavier than
he predicted.
Triborough was crowded and so
he predicted.
Triborough was crowded and so
was the Queensborough Bridge.
Triborough was crowded and so
was the Queensborough Bridge.
So he said, "I'll solve that by
was the Queensborough Bridge.
So he said, "I'll solve that by
building the Bronx-Whitestone
So he said, "I'll solve that by
building the Bronx-Whitestone
Bridge."
building the Bronx-Whitestone
Bridge."
For a while it worked.
Bridge."
For a while it worked.
In two years, the Queensborough
For a while it worked.
In two years, the Queensborough
was as full as it had ever been
In two years, the Queensborough
was as full as it had ever been
and more, Triborough was more
was as full as it had ever been
and more, Triborough was more
full than ever before, and the
and more, Triborough was more
full than ever before, and the
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge was
full than ever before, and the
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge was
full.
Bronx-Whitestone Bridge was
full.
So he said, "Well, I'll build
full.
So he said, "Well, I'll build
the Throgs Neck Bridge."
So he said, "Well, I'll build
the Throgs Neck Bridge."
You know, if Moses had had his
the Throgs Neck Bridge."
You know, if Moses had had his
way, he would have built bridges
You know, if Moses had had his
way, he would have built bridges
the length of Long Island Sound,
way, he would have built bridges
the length of Long Island Sound,
not only polluting the sound,
the length of Long Island Sound,
not only polluting the sound,
changing the flow of the water
not only polluting the sound,
changing the flow of the water
and all, but with each bridge he
changing the flow of the water
and all, but with each bridge he
just would've generated more
and all, but with each bridge he
just would've generated more
traffic.
Just would've generated more
traffic.
BERMAN: In the 1960s or so,
traffic.
BERMAN: In the 1960s or so,
some of Moses's critics
BERMAN: In the 1960s or so,
some of Moses's critics
understood that when you build
some of Moses's critics
understood that when you build
highways, you create more
understood that when you build
highways, you create more
congestion and more pressure for
highways, you create more
congestion and more pressure for
highways.
Congestion and more pressure for
highways.
Moses understood this much
highways.
Moses understood this much
earlier.
Moses understood this much
earlier.
I mean, when he was trying to
earlier.
I mean, when he was trying to
get money for highways, he would
I mean, when he was trying to
get money for highways, he would
say it's to relieve congestion,
get money for highways, he would
say it's to relieve congestion,
but he knew that, in fact, it
say it's to relieve congestion,
but he knew that, in fact, it
would create more congestion and
but he knew that, in fact, it
would create more congestion and
a need for further highways and,
would create more congestion and
a need for further highways and,
hence, would have to move the
a need for further highways and,
hence, would have to move the
flow, would have to move the map
hence, would have to move the
flow, would have to move the map
to create more flow and make it
flow, would have to move the map
to create more flow and make it
flow further on and further out.
To create more flow and make it
flow further on and further out.
In that sense, once you started
flow further on and further out.
In that sense, once you started
the highway machine, it was
In that sense, once you started
the highway machine, it was
self-perpetuating.
The highway machine, it was
self-perpetuating.
You couldn't stop.
Self-perpetuating.
You couldn't stop.
NARRATOR: Even more troubling
You couldn't stop.
NARRATOR: Even more troubling
than the immense traffic jams
NARRATOR: Even more troubling
than the immense traffic jams
his public works were
than the immense traffic jams
his public works were
generating, though far less
his public works were
generating, though far less
apparent to the naked eye, was
generating, though far less
apparent to the naked eye, was
the power Moses was accumulating
apparent to the naked eye, was
the power Moses was accumulating
in the process of building them
the power Moses was accumulating
in the process of building them
through the instrument of the
in the process of building them
through the instrument of the
new public authorities.
Through the instrument of the
new public authorities.
CARO: You know, we are taught
new public authorities.
CARO: You know, we are taught
in political science classes
CARO: You know, we are taught
in political science classes
that in a democracy, power comes
in political science classes
that in a democracy, power comes
from being elected.
That in a democracy, power comes
from being elected.
It's the will of the people.
From being elected.
It's the will of the people.
Robert Moses realized that he
It's the will of the people.
Robert Moses realized that he
was never going to get power
Robert Moses realized that he
was never going to get power
through that normal democratic
was never going to get power
through that normal democratic
process.
Through that normal democratic
process.
He had to figure out a different
process.
He had to figure out a different
way to get it and he did it by
He had to figure out a different
way to get it and he did it by
creating what is really a fourth
way to get it and he did it by
creating what is really a fourth
branch of government and one not
creating what is really a fourth
branch of government and one not
responsible to the will of the
branch of government and one not
responsible to the will of the
people, insulated from the will
responsible to the will of the
people, insulated from the will
of the people the public
people, insulated from the will
of the people the public
authority.
Of the people the public
authority.
NARRATOR: Empowered to sell
authority.
NARRATOR: Empowered to sell
bonds to create great public
NARRATOR: Empowered to sell
bonds to create great public
works, public authorities like
bonds to create great public
works, public authorities like
Triborough were meant to go out
works, public authorities like
Triborough were meant to go out
of business once the tolls they
Triborough were meant to go out
of business once the tolls they
charged had paid for the
of business once the tolls they
charged had paid for the
structures they created.
Charged had paid for the
structures they created.
But Robert Moses had no
structures they created.
But Robert Moses had no
intention of ever closing his
But Robert Moses had no
intention of ever closing his
authorities down.
Intention of ever closing his
authorities down.
Rewriting the legislation under
authorities down.
Rewriting the legislation under
which authorities were charted,
Rewriting the legislation under
which authorities were charted,
he made sure that the millions
which authorities were charted,
he made sure that the millions
of dollars in nickels and dimes
he made sure that the millions
of dollars in nickels and dimes
that streamed in every year
of dollars in nickels and dimes
that streamed in every year
remained a continuous flow of
that streamed in every year
remained a continuous flow of
revenue, upon which he could
remained a continuous flow of
revenue, upon which he could
borrow still more for future
revenue, upon which he could
borrow still more for future
projects a bedrock of power
borrow still more for future
projects a bedrock of power
that would place him beyond
projects a bedrock of power
that would place him beyond
reach of the mayor, the
that would place him beyond
reach of the mayor, the
governor, or the people
reach of the mayor, the
governor, or the people
themselves, in perpetuity.
Governor, or the people
themselves, in perpetuity.
CARO: The centerpiece of all
themselves, in perpetuity.
CARO: The centerpiece of all
his power was what he called
CARO: The centerpiece of all
his power was what he called
Triborough, mighty Triborough,
his power was what he called
Triborough, mighty Triborough,
and that's where the
Triborough, mighty Triborough,
and that's where the
headquarters were, on Randalls
and that's where the
headquarters were, on Randalls
Island in a little building
headquarters were, on Randalls
Island in a little building
underneath that toll plaza.
Island in a little building
underneath that toll plaza.
Every driver who crossed this
underneath that toll plaza.
Every driver who crossed this
island, who crossed this bridge,
Every driver who crossed this
island, who crossed this bridge,
had to pay a toll in coin.
Island, who crossed this bridge,
had to pay a toll in coin.
And of course, almost none of
had to pay a toll in coin.
And of course, almost none of
the millions of motorists who
And of course, almost none of
the millions of motorists who
passed over had any idea that
the millions of motorists who
passed over had any idea that
the headquarters were down
passed over had any idea that
the headquarters were down
there.
The headquarters were down
there.
Now, the money that came in
there.
Now, the money that came in
through the tolls was spent at
Now, the money that came in
through the tolls was spent at
his sole discretion.
Through the tolls was spent at
his sole discretion.
He didn't have to do, as mayors
his sole discretion.
He didn't have to do, as mayors
do, go to a board of estimate or
He didn't have to do, as mayors
do, go to a board of estimate or
submit his will to the voters.
Do, go to a board of estimate or
submit his will to the voters.
He could spend authorities'
submit his will to the voters.
He could spend authorities'
money as he wanted to spend
He could spend authorities'
money as he wanted to spend
authorities' money.
Money as he wanted to spend
authorities' money.
So he created a system in which
authorities' money.
So he created a system in which
the voice of the people hardly
So he created a system in which
the voice of the people hardly
mattered at all.
The voice of the people hardly
mattered at all.
BERMAN: And I think he was
mattered at all.
BERMAN: And I think he was
able to do it, in part, because
BERMAN: And I think he was
able to do it, in part, because
he was making so many people
able to do it, in part, because
he was making so many people
rich and they were there for him
he was making so many people
rich and they were there for him
and he didn't have to pick up
rich and they were there for him
and he didn't have to pick up
the phone.
And he didn't have to pick up
the phone.
So construction companies, bond
the phone.
So construction companies, bond
underwriters, you know,
So construction companies, bond
underwriters, you know,
insurance men on every level,
underwriters, you know,
insurance men on every level,
lawyers I mean, there were
insurance men on every level,
lawyers I mean, there were
just phalanxes and phalanxes of
lawyers I mean, there were
just phalanxes and phalanxes of
people.
Just phalanxes and phalanxes of
people.
And, you know, the wheels within
people.
And, you know, the wheels within
wheels, we still don't really
And, you know, the wheels within
wheels, we still don't really
understand.
Wheels, we still don't really
understand.
NARRATOR: As the depression
understand.
NARRATOR: As the depression
wore on, Robert Moses would
NARRATOR: As the depression
wore on, Robert Moses would
create more than a dozen public
wore on, Robert Moses would
create more than a dozen public
authorities, integrating them
create more than a dozen public
authorities, integrating them
into an immense, self-
authorities, integrating them
into an immense, self-
perpetuating machine for
into an immense, self-
perpetuating machine for
building public works, a system
perpetuating machine for
building public works, a system
increasingly remote from the
building public works, a system
increasingly remote from the
public in whose name they had
increasingly remote from the
public in whose name they had
been created an irony not lost
public in whose name they had
been created an irony not lost
on some of Moses's closest
been created an irony not lost
on some of Moses's closest
admirers.
On some of Moses's closest
admirers.
BERMAN: Frances Perkins, who
admirers.
BERMAN: Frances Perkins, who
was Roosevelt's secretary of
BERMAN: Frances Perkins, who
was Roosevelt's secretary of
labor, put it very well.
Was Roosevelt's secretary of
labor, put it very well.
She was reacting to Moses having
labor, put it very well.
She was reacting to Moses having
a tantrum about the people in
She was reacting to Moses having
a tantrum about the people in
Jones Beach, that they threw
a tantrum about the people in
Jones Beach, that they threw
litter on the beach and didn't
Jones Beach, that they threw
litter on the beach and didn't
clean up.
Litter on the beach and didn't
clean up.
Moses said, "I'll get them.
Clean up.
Moses said, "I'll get them.
I'll fix them."
Moses said, "I'll get them.
I'll fix them."
And Perkins said, "He loves the
I'll fix them."
And Perkins said, "He loves the
public, but he hates people."
And Perkins said, "He loves the
public, but he hates people."
And I think that probably
public, but he hates people."
And I think that probably
describes a lot of other public
And I think that probably
describes a lot of other public
officials, too, including many
describes a lot of other public
officials, too, including many
who've done wonderful things.
Officials, too, including many
who've done wonderful things.
But I think, with Moses, the
who've done wonderful things.
But I think, with Moses, the
hatred of people eventually
But I think, with Moses, the
hatred of people eventually
began to trip him up.
Hatred of people eventually
began to trip him up.
NARRATOR: By 1936, tensions
began to trip him up.
NARRATOR: By 1936, tensions
had begun to rise between the
NARRATOR: By 1936, tensions
had begun to rise between the
city's highest elected official
had begun to rise between the
city's highest elected official
and the hard-driving bureaucrat
city's highest elected official
and the hard-driving bureaucrat
who was his parks commissioner.
And the hard-driving bureaucrat
who was his parks commissioner.
Though they worked well together
who was his parks commissioner.
Though they worked well together
and shared many of the same
Though they worked well together
and shared many of the same
goals, it was becoming
and shared many of the same
goals, it was becoming
increasingly obvious that
goals, it was becoming
increasingly obvious that
Fiorello La Guardia and Robert
increasingly obvious that
Fiorello La Guardia and Robert
Moses embodied radically
Fiorello La Guardia and Robert
Moses embodied radically
different values and attitudes
Moses embodied radically
different values and attitudes
towards the city and its people.
Different values and attitudes
towards the city and its people.
BERMAN: One of the things
towards the city and its people.
BERMAN: One of the things
about La Guardia is that he
BERMAN: One of the things
about La Guardia is that he
really he appreciated
about La Guardia is that he
really he appreciated
ethnicity.
Really he appreciated
ethnicity.
He was hip to ethnic
ethnicity.
He was hip to ethnic
neighborhoods.
He was hip to ethnic
neighborhoods.
He was always going up to
neighborhoods.
He was always going up to
neighborhoods, going into all
He was always going up to
neighborhoods, going into all
the stores, talking to people in
neighborhoods, going into all
the stores, talking to people in
their various languages.
And, you know, he would go and
talk to Ukrainians in Ukrainian,
talk to Ukrainians in Ukrainian,
you know, and they would love
you know, and they would love
him for life.
Him for life.
And, you know, who knows how
And, you know, who knows how
many words he knew in Ukrainian,
many words he knew in Ukrainian,
but he could do that and he
but he could do that and he
loved doing that, you know?
And he loved being sort of on
And he loved being sort of on
the ground.
He loved being on the street.
The ground.
He loved being on the street.
Moses, on the other hand, went
He loved being on the street.
Moses, on the other hand, went
out of his way to highlight his
Moses, on the other hand, went
out of his way to highlight his
distance from those people, his
out of his way to highlight his
distance from those people, his
contempt for them, and his sense
distance from those people, his
contempt for them, and his sense
that he was dedicated to a
contempt for them, and his sense
that he was dedicated to a
larger system, to seeing New
that he was dedicated to a
larger system, to seeing New
York as part of a flow chart,
larger system, to seeing New
York as part of a flow chart,
you know, as part of a flow that
York as part of a flow chart,
you know, as part of a flow that
went all through the country in
you know, as part of a flow that
went all through the country in
which streets, neighborhoods,
went all through the country in
which streets, neighborhoods,
sense of place, ethnic loyalties
which streets, neighborhoods,
sense of place, ethnic loyalties
meant nothing.
Sense of place, ethnic loyalties
meant nothing.
The only thing that really
meant nothing.
The only thing that really
mattered was the flow.
The only thing that really
mattered was the flow.
NARRATOR: Infuriated by his
mattered was the flow.
NARRATOR: Infuriated by his
inability to rein Robert Moses
NARRATOR: Infuriated by his
inability to rein Robert Moses
in, Fiorello La Guardia raged
inability to rein Robert Moses
in, Fiorello La Guardia raged
constantly behind his back,
in, Fiorello La Guardia raged
constantly behind his back,
complaining that "no law, no
constantly behind his back,
complaining that "no law, no
regulation, no budget stops
complaining that "no law, no
regulation, no budget stops
Robert Moses from his appointed
regulation, no budget stops
Robert Moses from his appointed
task."
Robert Moses from his appointed
task."
Moses, for his part, who
task."
Moses, for his part, who
routinely referred to the mayor
Moses, for his part, who
routinely referred to the mayor
as "that little organ grinder"
routinely referred to the mayor
as "that little organ grinder"
and "that dago son of a bitch,"
as "that little organ grinder"
and "that dago son of a bitch,"
chafed at the necessity of
and "that dago son of a bitch,"
chafed at the necessity of
having to ask for money every
chafed at the necessity of
having to ask for money every
time he wanted to build.
Having to ask for money every
time he wanted to build.
CARO: To some degree, La
time he wanted to build.
CARO: To some degree, La
Guardia did control Moses, and
CARO: To some degree, La
Guardia did control Moses, and
you see it in housing, because
Guardia did control Moses, and
you see it in housing, because
Moses wanted to take over public
you see it in housing, because
Moses wanted to take over public
housing.
Moses wanted to take over public
housing.
Moses tries to steal the housing
housing.
Moses tries to steal the housing
money and the housing authority
Moses tries to steal the housing
money and the housing authority
from La Guardia by mobilizing
money and the housing authority
from La Guardia by mobilizing
the real-estate forces of the
from La Guardia by mobilizing
the real-estate forces of the
city behind him, but La Guardia
the real-estate forces of the
city behind him, but La Guardia
stops him.
City behind him, but La Guardia
stops him.
He was, in his own way, just as
stops him.
He was, in his own way, just as
tough as Robert Moses.
He was, in his own way, just as
tough as Robert Moses.
And what he basically did was,
tough as Robert Moses.
And what he basically did was,
as Moses is making this radio
And what he basically did was,
as Moses is making this radio
speech to mobilize public
as Moses is making this radio
speech to mobilize public
support over the municipal radio
speech to mobilize public
support over the municipal radio
station, La Guardia actually has
support over the municipal radio
station, La Guardia actually has
the engineers cut the station
station, La Guardia actually has
the engineers cut the station
off the air.
So La Guardia kept Moses out of
housing.
NARRATOR: In the end,
NARRATOR: In the end,
however, even La Guardia himself
failed to grasp the sheer scale
however, even La Guardia himself
failed to grasp the sheer scale
of the forces overtaking New
failed to grasp the sheer scale
of the forces overtaking New
York during the New Deal or how
of the forces overtaking New
York during the New Deal or how
much the future of the city lay,
York during the New Deal or how
much the future of the city lay,
not with the street and the
much the future of the city lay,
not with the street and the
block and the neighborhoods he
not with the street and the
block and the neighborhoods he
loved, but with the car and the
block and the neighborhoods he
loved, but with the car and the
highway and with men like Robert
loved, but with the car and the
highway and with men like Robert
Moses.
Highway and with men like Robert
Moses.
By the mid 1930s, Fiorello La
Moses.
By the mid 1930s, Fiorello La
Guardia and Robert Moses had
By the mid 1930s, Fiorello La
Guardia and Robert Moses had
succeeded in turning New York
Guardia and Robert Moses had
succeeded in turning New York
into the gigantic laboratory of
succeeded in turning New York
into the gigantic laboratory of
civic reconstruction La Guardia
into the gigantic laboratory of
civic reconstruction La Guardia
had dreamed of.
Civic reconstruction La Guardia
had dreamed of.
But all the new building could
had dreamed of.
But all the new building could
not disguise the fact that
But all the new building could
not disguise the fact that
across the city terrible
not disguise the fact that
across the city terrible
suffering and hardship remained.
Across the city terrible
suffering and hardship remained.
Nowhere was the suffering worse
suffering and hardship remained.
Nowhere was the suffering worse
than on the densely crowded
Nowhere was the suffering worse
than on the densely crowded
streets and avenues of Harlem,
than on the densely crowded
streets and avenues of Harlem,
where, little more than a year
streets and avenues of Harlem,
where, little more than a year
after La Guardia took office,
where, little more than a year
after La Guardia took office,
three decades of relative racial
after La Guardia took office,
three decades of relative racial
calm in New York came to a
three decades of relative racial
calm in New York came to a
tragic, violent end.
Calm in New York came to a
tragic, violent end.
READER: "What happens
tragic, violent end.
READER: "What happens
to a dream deferred?
READER: "What happens
to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Does it dry up
like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore
And then run?
Or fester like a sore
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over
Like a syrupy sweet?
Or crust and sugar over
Like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
Like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load.
Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?"
Like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?"
Langston Hughes.
Or does it explode?"
Langston Hughes.
NARRATOR: More than anywhere
Langston Hughes.
NARRATOR: More than anywhere
else in the city, Harlem, the
NARRATOR: More than anywhere
else in the city, Harlem, the
proud black capital that had
else in the city, Harlem, the
proud black capital that had
arisen so spectacularly only two
proud black capital that had
arisen so spectacularly only two
decades before, had been all but
arisen so spectacularly only two
decades before, had been all but
devastated by the depression.
Decades before, had been all but
devastated by the depression.
The renaissance of the 1920s had
devastated by the depression.
The renaissance of the 1920s had
been a cultural triumph, not an
The renaissance of the 1920s had
been a cultural triumph, not an
economic one, and long before
been a cultural triumph, not an
economic one, and long before
the crash itself the district's
economic one, and long before
the crash itself the district's
fragile prosperity had begun to
the crash itself the district's
fragile prosperity had begun to
disintegrate.
DAVID LEVERING LEWIS: It
became a slum.
Became a slum.
It had been a ghetto before.
It had been a ghetto before.
It becomes a real slum
It becomes a real slum
afterwards.
After the depression, rents,
After the depression, rents,
evictions, unemployment,
tuberculosis, all the indicia of
evictions, unemployment,
tuberculosis, all the indicia of
decay and dysfunction accelerate
tuberculosis, all the indicia of
decay and dysfunction accelerate
so that Harlem becomes a place
decay and dysfunction accelerate
so that Harlem becomes a place
in which the opportunities that
so that Harlem becomes a place
in which the opportunities that
had brought it into being really
in which the opportunities that
had brought it into being really
become almost exceptional.
Had brought it into being really
become almost exceptional.
WILDER: I think the major
become almost exceptional.
WILDER: I think the major
difference is that in the 1920s,
WILDER: I think the major
difference is that in the 1920s,
Harlem really did believe in
difference is that in the 1920s,
Harlem really did believe in
mobility and most people
Harlem really did believe in
mobility and most people
believed the concepts of
mobility and most people
believed the concepts of
American mobility applied to
believed the concepts of
American mobility applied to
Harlem.
You had a population of people
who were already depending upon
who were already depending upon
rather menial jobs to sustain
rather menial jobs to sustain
themselves.
Themselves.
The hope was that with regular
The hope was that with regular
employment and with the other
employment and with the other
opportunities that cities
opportunities that cities
provided education, better
provided education, better
housing, better living
housing, better living
conditions, better health care
Conditions, better health care
there would be mobility.
By the 1930s, all of that gets
By the 1930s, all of that gets
challenged.
First of all, that category that
challenged.
First of all, that category that
was referred to as Negro jobs
First of all, that category that
was referred to as Negro jobs
disappears because white New
was referred to as Negro jobs
disappears because white New
Yorkers desperate for work begin
disappears because white New
Yorkers desperate for work begin
to demand positions that they
Yorkers desperate for work begin
to demand positions that they
formerly refused to take.
To demand positions that they
formerly refused to take.
WALLACE: It's a truism, but
formerly refused to take.
WALLACE: It's a truism, but
it's true, that the depression
WALLACE: It's a truism, but
it's true, that the depression
was far worse in Harlem than
it's true, that the depression
was far worse in Harlem than
anywhere else.
Was far worse in Harlem than
anywhere else.
The levels of unemployment are
anywhere else.
The levels of unemployment are
simply spectacular.
The levels of unemployment are
simply spectacular.
And remember, there had already
simply spectacular.
And remember, there had already
been discrimination, even in
And remember, there had already
been discrimination, even in
good times.
Been discrimination, even in
good times.
I mean, the hospitals would not
good times.
I mean, the hospitals would not
hire blacks.
I mean, the hospitals would not
hire blacks.
The drugstores would not hire
hire blacks.
The drugstores would not hire
blacks.
The drugstores would not hire
blacks.
The insurance companies, even
blacks.
The insurance companies, even
though they wrote, you know,
The insurance companies, even
though they wrote, you know,
thousands of policies, low-cost
though they wrote, you know,
thousands of policies, low-cost
policies to Harlem residents,
thousands of policies, low-cost
policies to Harlem residents,
they wouldn't hire blacks.
And even when the depression
starts and there are relief
starts and there are relief
programs in place, the WPA
programs in place, the WPA
discriminates as well.
CARO: In the 1930s, Robert
CARO: In the 1930s, Robert
Moses built 255 new playgrounds
in New York City.
Moses built 255 new playgrounds
in New York City.
He built two in areas that black
in New York City.
He built two in areas that black
children could use.
He built two in areas that black
children could use.
You know, white children were
children could use.
You know, white children were
given sliding boards and swings
You know, white children were
given sliding boards and swings
and beautiful little wading
given sliding boards and swings
and beautiful little wading
pools in the playgrounds.
And beautiful little wading
pools in the playgrounds.
Black children could still play
pools in the playgrounds.
Black children could still play
with their broomsticks in the
Black children could still play
with their broomsticks in the
streets if they wanted to play
with their broomsticks in the
streets if they wanted to play
baseball, still had to splash
streets if they wanted to play
baseball, still had to splash
through the fire hydrants.
Baseball, still had to splash
through the fire hydrants.
People know if a city cares for
through the fire hydrants.
People know if a city cares for
them or not.
People know if a city cares for
them or not.
A playground is a lot more than
them or not.
A playground is a lot more than
a playground.
A playground is a lot more than
a playground.
A little vest-pocket park is a
a playground.
A little vest-pocket park is a
lot more than a little bit of
A little vest-pocket park is a
lot more than a little bit of
green.
Lot more than a little bit of
green.
It's a sign that the city cares,
green.
It's a sign that the city cares,
that it's willing to devote
It's a sign that the city cares,
that it's willing to devote
something to your neighborhood.
That it's willing to devote
something to your neighborhood.
What did the mothers of Harlem
something to your neighborhood.
What did the mothers of Harlem
think of the policies of the
What did the mothers of Harlem
think of the policies of the
state when there was no place
think of the policies of the
state when there was no place
for their children to play?
State when there was no place
for their children to play?
NARRATOR: Even more insidious
for their children to play?
NARRATOR: Even more insidious
for the city's black population
NARRATOR: Even more insidious
for the city's black population
in the end were the federal
for the city's black population
in the end were the federal
mortgage and loan programs
in the end were the federal
mortgage and loan programs
promulgated by the New Deal
mortgage and loan programs
promulgated by the New Deal
which, to revive the moribund
promulgated by the New Deal
which, to revive the moribund
housing market in the outer
which, to revive the moribund
housing market in the outer
boroughs, set in motion a
housing market in the outer
boroughs, set in motion a
fateful process that in the next
boroughs, set in motion a
fateful process that in the next
two decades would systematically
fateful process that in the next
two decades would systematically
segregate neighborhood after
two decades would systematically
segregate neighborhood after
neighborhood in New York by
segregate neighborhood after
neighborhood in New York by
race.
Neighborhood in New York by
race.
WILDER: African American
race.
WILDER: African American
ghettoization really begins in
WILDER: African American
ghettoization really begins in
the third decade of the 20th
ghettoization really begins in
the third decade of the 20th
century.
The third decade of the 20th
century.
It begins in the 1930s.
Century.
It begins in the 1930s.
It begins with New Deal policy.
It begins in the 1930s.
It begins with New Deal policy.
It begins with the federal
It begins with New Deal policy.
It begins with the federal
government and the state
It begins with the federal
government and the state
government colluding with banks
government and the state
government colluding with banks
and insurance companies to solve
government colluding with banks
and insurance companies to solve
New Deal problems by building,
and insurance companies to solve
New Deal problems by building,
building, building, building,
New Deal problems by building,
building, building, building,
building.
Building, building, building,
building.
We're building housing at the
building.
We're building housing at the
periphery of the city at an
We're building housing at the
periphery of the city at an
incredible pace, and in order to
periphery of the city at an
incredible pace, and in order to
create a market for that
incredible pace, and in order to
create a market for that
housing, you've got to force
create a market for that
housing, you've got to force
white working-class and middle-
housing, you've got to force
white working-class and middle-
class families to move.
White working-class and middle-
class families to move.
And in order to get them out
class families to move.
And in order to get them out
there, what we do is actually
And in order to get them out
there, what we do is actually
make it irrational to stay
there, what we do is actually
make it irrational to stay
inside the city.
Make it irrational to stay
inside the city.
During the early years of the
inside the city.
During the early years of the
New Deal, the federal government
During the early years of the
New Deal, the federal government
established the Homeowner's Loan
New Deal, the federal government
established the Homeowner's Loan
Corporation and the Homeowner's
established the Homeowner's Loan
Corporation and the Homeowner's
Loan Corporation actually went
Corporation and the Homeowner's
Loan Corporation actually went
out in Brooklyn and they begin
Loan Corporation actually went
out in Brooklyn and they begin
mapping out the borough into 66
out in Brooklyn and they begin
mapping out the borough into 66
neighborhoods, going block by
mapping out the borough into 66
neighborhoods, going block by
block and finding every black,
neighborhoods, going block by
block and finding every black,
Latino, Irish, Jewish, Italian,
block and finding every black,
Latino, Irish, Jewish, Italian,
Polish family that was there and
Latino, Irish, Jewish, Italian,
Polish family that was there and
assigning ratings to each
Polish family that was there and
assigning ratings to each
neighborhood based on the racial
assigning ratings to each
neighborhood based on the racial
and ethnic makeup.
Neighborhood based on the racial
and ethnic makeup.
Then they distributed the maps
and ethnic makeup.
Then they distributed the maps
to banks and held banks to a
Then they distributed the maps
to banks and held banks to a
certain standard when loaning
to banks and held banks to a
certain standard when loaning
money for homes and rental.
Certain standard when loaning
money for homes and rental.
The consequences of having your
money for homes and rental.
The consequences of having your
ratings go down is, of course,
The consequences of having your
ratings go down is, of course,
that your housing property goes
ratings go down is, of course,
that your housing property goes
down.
That your housing property goes
down.
So for instance, white
down.
So for instance, white
Brooklynites living in the old
So for instance, white
Brooklynites living in the old
sections of North Brooklyn, all
Brooklynites living in the old
sections of North Brooklyn, all
of a sudden find out that their
sections of North Brooklyn, all
of a sudden find out that their
housing is less valuable, not
of a sudden find out that their
housing is less valuable, not
because they've done anything
housing is less valuable, not
because they've done anything
and not because their
because they've done anything
and not because their
neighborhood has changed, but
and not because their
neighborhood has changed, but
because banks won't lend anyone
neighborhood has changed, but
because banks won't lend anyone
money to move there unless those
because banks won't lend anyone
money to move there unless those
people are black.
Money to move there unless those
people are black.
After the Homeowner's Loan
people are black.
After the Homeowner's Loan
Corporation began segregating on
After the Homeowner's Loan
Corporation began segregating on
the federal level and working
Corporation began segregating on
the federal level and working
with local banks in Brooklyn,
the federal level and working
with local banks in Brooklyn,
Manhattan, and the Bronx, and
with local banks in Brooklyn,
Manhattan, and the Bronx, and
Queens, the state gets involved
Manhattan, and the Bronx, and
Queens, the state gets involved
in redlining.
Queens, the state gets involved
in redlining.
They also map out Brooklyn.
In redlining.
They also map out Brooklyn.
They go block by block and this
They also map out Brooklyn.
They go block by block and this
time they look for only black
They go block by block and this
time they look for only black
and Latino persons and a single
time they look for only black
and Latino persons and a single
black person living on a block
and Latino persons and a single
black person living on a block
is enough to redline a block.
Black person living on a block
is enough to redline a block.
The effect will be, in fact, to
is enough to redline a block.
The effect will be, in fact, to
do extraordinary damage to black
The effect will be, in fact, to
do extraordinary damage to black
communities throughout New York.
Do extraordinary damage to black
communities throughout New York.
All of a sudden, black
communities throughout New York.
All of a sudden, black
communities that had been
All of a sudden, black
communities that had been
scattered throughout New York
communities that had been
scattered throughout New York
City, which had long traditions
scattered throughout New York
City, which had long traditions
in certain neighborhoods in the
City, which had long traditions
in certain neighborhoods in the
southern part of New York,
in certain neighborhoods in the
southern part of New York,
throughout Brooklyn and Queens
southern part of New York,
throughout Brooklyn and Queens
and even on Staten Island, were
throughout Brooklyn and Queens
and even on Staten Island, were
being physically segregated,
and even on Staten Island, were
being physically segregated,
rooted up.
Being physically segregated,
rooted up.
When the Homeowner's Loan
rooted up.
When the Homeowner's Loan
Corporation finishes its work in
When the Homeowner's Loan
Corporation finishes its work in
the 1940s, it has dramatically
Corporation finishes its work in
the 1940s, it has dramatically
altered the makeup of Brooklyn.
The 1940s, it has dramatically
altered the makeup of Brooklyn.
In 1930, when the depression
altered the makeup of Brooklyn.
In 1930, when the depression
starts, black Brooklynites were
In 1930, when the depression
starts, black Brooklynites were
actually the least segregated
starts, black Brooklynites were
actually the least segregated
group physically in the borough.
Actually the least segregated
group physically in the borough.
By 1950, they're the most
group physically in the borough.
By 1950, they're the most
segregated group.
By 1950, they're the most
segregated group.
The segregation is all in
segregated group.
The segregation is all in
central Brooklyn in the Bedford-
The segregation is all in
central Brooklyn in the Bedford-
Stuyvesant district and that
central Brooklyn in the Bedford-
Stuyvesant district and that
will become the largest black
Stuyvesant district and that
will become the largest black
ghetto in the United States by
will become the largest black
ghetto in the United States by
the end of the 1960s.
Ghetto in the United States by
the end of the 1960s.
In the 1930s, Harlem goes from
the end of the 1960s.
In the 1930s, Harlem goes from
being an ethnic community with
In the 1930s, Harlem goes from
being an ethnic community with
quite a bit of mobility and
being an ethnic community with
quite a bit of mobility and
optimism, to a racial slum with
quite a bit of mobility and
optimism, to a racial slum with
very little optimism, very
optimism, to a racial slum with
very little optimism, very
little hope.
Very little optimism, very
little hope.
The Federal government had armed
little hope.
The Federal government had armed
banks and insurance companies
The Federal government had armed
banks and insurance companies
and real-estate dealers with the
banks and insurance companies
and real-estate dealers with the
public authority to keep black
and real-estate dealers with the
public authority to keep black
people inside that physical
public authority to keep black
people inside that physical
space and to force new black
people inside that physical
space and to force new black
migrants to the city inside
space and to force new black
migrants to the city inside
similar physical spaces.
Migrants to the city inside
similar physical spaces.
So that as Harlem expands in the
similar physical spaces.
So that as Harlem expands in the
1930s and the 1940s, as Bedford-
So that as Harlem expands in the
1930s and the 1940s, as Bedford-
Stuyvesant expands in the '40s
1930s and the 1940s, as Bedford-
Stuyvesant expands in the '40s
and '50s, what remains true
Stuyvesant expands in the '40s
and '50s, what remains true
about them is black communities
and '50s, what remains true
about them is black communities
no longer control their own
about them is black communities
no longer control their own
destiny.
No longer control their own
destiny.
By the '50s and '60s, they're
destiny.
By the '50s and '60s, they're
being forced and physically
By the '50s and '60s, they're
being forced and physically
quarantined inside the city at a
being forced and physically
quarantined inside the city at a
time when white Americans are
quarantined inside the city at a
time when white Americans are
peculiarly mobile.
Time when white Americans are
peculiarly mobile.
Why is there a black ghetto in
peculiarly mobile.
Why is there a black ghetto in
every city in the United States?
Why is there a black ghetto in
every city in the United States?
The answer is public policy, the
every city in the United States?
The answer is public policy, the
way we remap cities racially in
The answer is public policy, the
way we remap cities racially in
order to solve economic crises.
Way we remap cities racially in
order to solve economic crises.
NARRATOR: Year after year,
order to solve economic crises.
NARRATOR: Year after year,
the walls of racial segregation
NARRATOR: Year after year,
the walls of racial segregation
and discrimination closed in
the walls of racial segregation
and discrimination closed in
around the city's African
and discrimination closed in
around the city's African
American population.
Around the city's African
American population.
To some, the most infuriating
American population.
To some, the most infuriating
bigotry of all was to be found
To some, the most infuriating
bigotry of all was to be found
in the heart of Harlem itself,
bigotry of all was to be found
in the heart of Harlem itself,
where almost none of the dozens
in the heart of Harlem itself,
where almost none of the dozens
of white-owned shops and
where almost none of the dozens
of white-owned shops and
businesses that lined 125th
of white-owned shops and
businesses that lined 125th
Street, the commercial spine of
businesses that lined 125th
Street, the commercial spine of
the district, was willing to
Street, the commercial spine of
the district, was willing to
hire African Americans in any
the district, was willing to
hire African Americans in any
capacity.
Hire African Americans in any
capacity.
WALLACE: And church groups
capacity.
WALLACE: And church groups
and labor groups and socialist
WALLACE: And church groups
and labor groups and socialist
groups and black nationalist
and labor groups and socialist
groups and black nationalist
groups and the Communist Party,
groups and black nationalist
groups and the Communist Party,
among others, begin to set up
groups and the Communist Party,
among others, begin to set up
pickets on 125th Street and
among others, begin to set up
pickets on 125th Street and
other places.
Pickets on 125th Street and
other places.
They march in front of these
other places.
They march in front of these
stores and say, "Don't buy where
They march in front of these
stores and say, "Don't buy where
you can't work."
stores and say, "Don't buy where
you can't work."
And, in fact, this heartens the
you can't work."
And, in fact, this heartens the
community.
And, in fact, this heartens the
community.
There are some successes.
Community.
There are some successes.
Some job openings are created.
There are some successes.
Some job openings are created.
But then the forces of the law
Some job openings are created.
But then the forces of the law
being what they are, the store
But then the forces of the law
being what they are, the store
owners get an injunction passed
being what they are, the store
owners get an injunction passed
in '34 and this kind of
owners get an injunction passed
in '34 and this kind of
picketing behavior is, in fact,
in '34 and this kind of
picketing behavior is, in fact,
banned.
Picketing behavior is, in fact,
banned.
So having gotten themselves
banned.
So having gotten themselves
together, having come up with a
So having gotten themselves
together, having come up with a
communal collective voice to
together, having come up with a
communal collective voice to
attempt to redress long-standing
communal collective voice to
attempt to redress long-standing
racial/economic grievances,
attempt to redress long-standing
racial/economic grievances,
suddenly that voice is cut off.
Racial/economic grievances,
suddenly that voice is cut off.
And it's in that context that
suddenly that voice is cut off.
And it's in that context that
Harlem explodes.
And it's in that context that
Harlem explodes.
NARRATOR: In the winter of
Harlem explodes.
NARRATOR: In the winter of
1935, years of rising misery,
NARRATOR: In the winter of
1935, years of rising misery,
frustration, and resentment
1935, years of rising misery,
frustration, and resentment
erupted into violence on the
frustration, and resentment
erupted into violence on the
streets of Harlem.
Erupted into violence on the
streets of Harlem.
Around 3:30 on the afternoon of
streets of Harlem.
Around 3:30 on the afternoon of
March 19th, a 16-year-old Puerto
Around 3:30 on the afternoon of
March 19th, a 16-year-old Puerto
Rican boy named Lino Riveria was
March 19th, a 16-year-old Puerto
Rican boy named Lino Riveria was
caught stealing a penknife from
Rican boy named Lino Riveria was
caught stealing a penknife from
an S.H. Kress store on 125th
caught stealing a penknife from
an S.H. Kress store on 125th
Street.
An S.H. Kress store on 125th
Street.
A scuffle ensued, and as a crowd
Street.
A scuffle ensued, and as a crowd
of curious onlookers gathered on
A scuffle ensued, and as a crowd
of curious onlookers gathered on
the sidewalk outside, the shop
of curious onlookers gathered on
the sidewalk outside, the shop
owner called the police, urging
the sidewalk outside, the shop
owner called the police, urging
the patrolman, when he arrived,
owner called the police, urging
the patrolman, when he arrived,
to avoid further trouble and let
the patrolman, when he arrived,
to avoid further trouble and let
the boy go.
To avoid further trouble and let
the boy go.
WALLACE: They actually let
the boy go.
WALLACE: They actually let
Riveria go out a back door and
WALLACE: They actually let
Riveria go out a back door and
they didn't bother informing
Riveria go out a back door and
they didn't bother informing
anybody.
They didn't bother informing
anybody.
And rumors now shot through the
anybody.
And rumors now shot through the
street that he'd been killed.
And rumors now shot through the
street that he'd been killed.
And, in fact, crowds begin to
street that he'd been killed.
And, in fact, crowds begin to
form.
And, in fact, crowds begin to
form.
By the evening, people are
form.
By the evening, people are
arriving with placards and
By the evening, people are
arriving with placards and
pickets.
Arriving with placards and
pickets.
And eventually somebody hurls a
pickets.
And eventually somebody hurls a
rock through the plate-glass
And eventually somebody hurls a
rock through the plate-glass
window and Harlem explodes.
Rock through the plate-glass
window and Harlem explodes.
And people pour out of the
window and Harlem explodes.
And people pour out of the
tenements into the streets and
And people pour out of the
tenements into the streets and
they not only attack and loot
tenements into the streets and
they not only attack and loot
this particular store, but up
they not only attack and loot
this particular store, but up
and down 125th Street and other
this particular store, but up
and down 125th Street and other
areas, except for stores that
and down 125th Street and other
areas, except for stores that
hastily tack up placards in
areas, except for stores that
hastily tack up placards in
their front window, "Black-owned
hastily tack up placards in
their front window, "Black-owned
business," you know, or if it's
their front window, "Black-owned
business," you know, or if it's
a white store, "We hire black
business," you know, or if it's
a white store, "We hire black
people."
a white store, "We hire black
people."
And in fact, they were,
people."
And in fact, they were,
relatively speaking, spared.
And in fact, they were,
relatively speaking, spared.
There are also tangles with the
relatively speaking, spared.
There are also tangles with the
police.
There are also tangles with the
police.
You have to understand it's a
police.
You have to understand it's a
virtually entirely white police
You have to understand it's a
virtually entirely white police
force.
Virtually entirely white police
force.
It is seen as an army of
force.
It is seen as an army of
occupation, sitting on the
It is seen as an army of
occupation, sitting on the
discontent that's been building.
Occupation, sitting on the
discontent that's been building.
NARRATOR: All through the
discontent that's been building.
NARRATOR: All through the
night and on into the next day
NARRATOR: All through the
night and on into the next day
the riot went on.
Night and on into the next day
the riot went on.
By the time order was restored,
the riot went on.
By the time order was restored,
125 people had been arrested,
By the time order was restored,
125 people had been arrested,
over 100 had been injured, and
125 people had been arrested,
over 100 had been injured, and
three killed all of them
over 100 had been injured, and
three killed all of them
black.
Three killed all of them
black.
WALLACE: This is the first
black.
WALLACE: This is the first
black explosion.
WALLACE: This is the first
black explosion.
Up until this point when you
black explosion.
Up until this point when you
talk race riots, you're talking
Up until this point when you
talk race riots, you're talking
about whites pouring into a
talk race riots, you're talking
about whites pouring into a
black neighborhood, stomping on
about whites pouring into a
black neighborhood, stomping on
black people the Draft Riots
black neighborhood, stomping on
black people the Draft Riots
of 1863.
Black people the Draft Riots
of 1863.
Nobody for 20 years has been
of 1863.
Nobody for 20 years has been
dreaming of invading black
Nobody for 20 years has been
dreaming of invading black
Harlem; it's a huge stronghold.
Dreaming of invading black
Harlem; it's a huge stronghold.
But now you've got a whole new
Harlem; it's a huge stronghold.
But now you've got a whole new
phenomenon.
But now you've got a whole new
phenomenon.
WILDER: I think one of the
phenomenon.
WILDER: I think one of the
major things that the riot does
WILDER: I think one of the
major things that the riot does
is it actually forces us to
major things that the riot does
is it actually forces us to
seriously look at the condition
is it actually forces us to
seriously look at the condition
of black Americans in major
seriously look at the condition
of black Americans in major
cities.
Of black Americans in major
cities.
New York becomes sort of a
cities.
New York becomes sort of a
harbinger for what's going to
New York becomes sort of a
harbinger for what's going to
happen other places and you've
harbinger for what's going to
happen other places and you've
got to take New York city
happen other places and you've
got to take New York city
seriously, especially Harlem.
Got to take New York city
seriously, especially Harlem.
It's sitting right in Manhattan.
Seriously, especially Harlem.
It's sitting right in Manhattan.
It's in the cultural and
It's sitting right in Manhattan.
It's in the cultural and
economic capital of the United
It's in the cultural and
economic capital of the United
States and what happens there is
economic capital of the United
States and what happens there is
actually more important than
States and what happens there is
actually more important than
what happens other places.
Actually more important than
what happens other places.
It does get attention.
What happens other places.
It does get attention.
It does force the administration
It does get attention.
It does force the administration
to seriously look at the plight
It does force the administration
to seriously look at the plight
of black Americans, but still
to seriously look at the plight
of black Americans, but still
the response is actually rather
of black Americans, but still
the response is actually rather
weak.
The response is actually rather
weak.
NARRATOR: The repercussions
weak.
NARRATOR: The repercussions
of the riots would continue for
NARRATOR: The repercussions
of the riots would continue for
months and years to come.
Of the riots would continue for
months and years to come.
At the insistence of black
months and years to come.
At the insistence of black
leaders, La Guardia appointed a
At the insistence of black
leaders, La Guardia appointed a
special commission to examine
leaders, La Guardia appointed a
special commission to examine
the social and economic
special commission to examine
the social and economic
conditions in Harlem, whose
the social and economic
conditions in Harlem, whose
report painted a bleak portrait
conditions in Harlem, whose
report painted a bleak portrait
of the city's racial divisions
report painted a bleak portrait
of the city's racial divisions
and inequalities.
Of the city's racial divisions
and inequalities.
But like most white politicians
and inequalities.
But like most white politicians
of his day, the mayor, whom the
But like most white politicians
of his day, the mayor, whom the
black-owned Amsterdam News had
of his day, the mayor, whom the
black-owned Amsterdam News had
praised in 1931 as "one of the
black-owned Amsterdam News had
praised in 1931 as "one of the
most fearless friends the Negro
praised in 1931 as "one of the
most fearless friends the Negro
has ever had in or out of
most fearless friends the Negro
has ever had in or out of
Congress," was still not
has ever had in or out of
Congress," was still not
prepared to put racial equality
Congress," was still not
prepared to put racial equality
at the center of his reform
prepared to put racial equality
at the center of his reform
agenda.
At the center of his reform
agenda.
Speaking before a group of
agenda.
Speaking before a group of
church leaders, he had, he said,
Speaking before a group of
church leaders, he had, he said,
"no illusion about the
church leaders, he had, he said,
"no illusion about the
difficulties facing your people
"no illusion about the
difficulties facing your people
in New York."
difficulties facing your people
in New York."
But reconciling the disparities
in New York."
But reconciling the disparities
caused by American racism, he
But reconciling the disparities
caused by American racism, he
said, was a task beyond his
caused by American racism, he
said, was a task beyond his
abilities.
Said, was a task beyond his
abilities.
WILDER: I think La Guardia is
abilities.
WILDER: I think La Guardia is
a difficult person to describe,
WILDER: I think La Guardia is
a difficult person to describe,
especially his stance on race.
A difficult person to describe,
especially his stance on race.
He endears himself to many
especially his stance on race.
He endears himself to many
African Americans by standing up
He endears himself to many
African Americans by standing up
for people, by standing up for
African Americans by standing up
for people, by standing up for
black congressmen, Oscar
for people, by standing up for
black congressmen, Oscar
DePriest and other folks who had
black congressmen, Oscar
DePriest and other folks who had
been tossed out of Congress, by
DePriest and other folks who had
been tossed out of Congress, by
demanding, in fact, that they be
been tossed out of Congress, by
demanding, in fact, that they be
given equal treatment.
Demanding, in fact, that they be
given equal treatment.
On the other hand, when it came
given equal treatment.
On the other hand, when it came
to real substantive changes that
On the other hand, when it came
to real substantive changes that
would affect African Americans
to real substantive changes that
would affect African Americans
in a positive way, La Guardia
would affect African Americans
in a positive way, La Guardia
tended to, in fact, do what most
in a positive way, La Guardia
tended to, in fact, do what most
mayors of New York City have
tended to, in fact, do what most
mayors of New York City have
done, and that is side with
mayors of New York City have
done, and that is side with
separate and less equal, because
done, and that is side with
separate and less equal, because
the ethnic algebra of the city
separate and less equal, because
the ethnic algebra of the city
allows you to overserve some
the ethnic algebra of the city
allows you to overserve some
people and underserve others and
allows you to overserve some
people and underserve others and
it's a very good formula for
people and underserve others and
it's a very good formula for
getting elected.
It's a very good formula for
getting elected.
READER: "The question of what
getting elected.
READER: "The question of what
will happen to the Negro in New
READER: "The question of what
will happen to the Negro in New
York is overlaid with shadows of
will happen to the Negro in New
York is overlaid with shadows of
tragic premonition.
York is overlaid with shadows of
tragic premonition.
The first race riot in New York
tragic premonition.
The first race riot in New York
was in 1712.
The first race riot in New York
was in 1712.
The most recent was in 1935.
Was in 1712.
The most recent was in 1935.
The last is not yet come."
The most recent was in 1935.
The last is not yet come."
Fortune magazine.
The last is not yet come."
Fortune magazine.
READER: "Bit by bit, the New
Fortune magazine.
READER: "Bit by bit, the New
York of 1920 has rearranged and
READER: "Bit by bit, the New
York of 1920 has rearranged and
expanded itself.
York of 1920 has rearranged and
expanded itself.
New highways sweep beneath its
expanded itself.
New highways sweep beneath its
bold escarpments.
New highways sweep beneath its
bold escarpments.
New housing and new playgrounds
bold escarpments.
New housing and new playgrounds
have been carved from its native
New housing and new playgrounds
have been carved from its native
rock.
Have been carved from its native
rock.
Giant new bridges soar above its
rock.
Giant new bridges soar above its
two rivers and new tubes have
Giant new bridges soar above its
two rivers and new tubes have
burrowed beneath the waters.
Two rivers and new tubes have
burrowed beneath the waters.
For perhaps the first time in
burrowed beneath the waters.
For perhaps the first time in
its ruthless, headlong history,
For perhaps the first time in
its ruthless, headlong history,
some new impulse, something
its ruthless, headlong history,
some new impulse, something
apart from commerce has been
some new impulse, something
apart from commerce has been
acting on the town.
Apart from commerce has been
acting on the town.
Some sense of community design
acting on the town.
Some sense of community design
and purpose has tempered the
Some sense of community design
and purpose has tempered the
obsession with buying and
and purpose has tempered the
obsession with buying and
selling.
Obsession with buying and
selling.
Out of the old demonic energy
selling.
Out of the old demonic energy
has come a new ambition to build
Out of the old demonic energy
has come a new ambition to build
a city more fit for human use
has come a new ambition to build
a city more fit for human use
and aspiration."
a city more fit for human use
and aspiration."
Clair Price.
And aspiration."
Clair Price.
NARRATOR: On November 2,
Clair Price.
NARRATOR: On November 2,
1937, Fiorello La Guardia pulled
NARRATOR: On November 2,
1937, Fiorello La Guardia pulled
off the simple feat that had
1937, Fiorello La Guardia pulled
off the simple feat that had
eluded every reform mayor before
off the simple feat that had
eluded every reform mayor before
him.
Eluded every reform mayor before
him.
He was re-elected.
Him.
He was re-elected.
The largest majority in the
He was re-elected.
The largest majority in the
city's history swept him back
The largest majority in the
city's history swept him back
into office, along with a host
city's history swept him back
into office, along with a host
of reform candidates, including
into office, along with a host
of reform candidates, including
the president of every borough
of reform candidates, including
the president of every borough
except the Bronx.
The president of every borough
except the Bronx.
La Guardia himself took the
except the Bronx.
La Guardia himself took the
landslide as a ringing
La Guardia himself took the
landslide as a ringing
endorsement of his policies and
landslide as a ringing
endorsement of his policies and
a mandate to lead New York into
endorsement of his policies and
a mandate to lead New York into
a still brighter future.
A mandate to lead New York into
a still brighter future.
"We are going to make the city a
a still brighter future.
"We are going to make the city a
real heaven," he said.
PETE HAMILL: But what was
passed down to me by my mother,
passed down to me by my mother,
my father, by people in the
my father, by people in the
neighborhood was his absolute
neighborhood was his absolute
exuberant optimism.
"We're going to get through
"We're going to get through
this."
"This is a depression."
this."
"This is a depression."
"The hell with it, we'll go."
"This is a depression."
"The hell with it, we'll go."
"The mob has everything fixed."
"The hell with it, we'll go."
"The mob has everything fixed."
"The hell with it, we'll throw
"The mob has everything fixed."
"The hell with it, we'll throw
their slot machines in the
"The hell with it, we'll throw
their slot machines in the
river.
Their slot machines in the
river.
You don't like this?
River.
You don't like this?
The hell with it, let's go do it
You don't like this?
The hell with it, let's go do it
anyway."
The hell with it, let's go do it
anyway."
"It's the depression.
Anyway."
"It's the depression.
You can't build an airport."
"It's the depression.
You can't build an airport."
"This is New York.
You can't build an airport."
"This is New York.
You got to have an airport."
"This is New York.
You got to have an airport."
WALLACE: In 1934, La Guardia
You got to have an airport."
WALLACE: In 1934, La Guardia
takes a flight from Chicago to
WALLACE: In 1934, La Guardia
takes a flight from Chicago to
New York, it says on his ticket,
takes a flight from Chicago to
New York, it says on his ticket,
and as usual the airplane lands
New York, it says on his ticket,
and as usual the airplane lands
in Newark Airport and he refuses
and as usual the airplane lands
in Newark Airport and he refuses
to get out.
In Newark Airport and he refuses
to get out.
"My ticket says New York.
To get out.
"My ticket says New York.
This is not New York.
"My ticket says New York.
This is not New York.
This is New Jersey."
This is not New York.
This is New Jersey."
And after everybody else gets
This is New Jersey."
And after everybody else gets
off, the airplane takes off with
And after everybody else gets
off, the airplane takes off with
only La Guardia in it and lands
off, the airplane takes off with
only La Guardia in it and lands
at Floyd Bennett Field.
Only La Guardia in it and lands
at Floyd Bennett Field.
And from the first day that he's
at Floyd Bennett Field.
And from the first day that he's
mayor, he is pushing for the
And from the first day that he's
mayor, he is pushing for the
construction of what is going to
mayor, he is pushing for the
construction of what is going to
be La Guardia Airport.
Construction of what is going to
be La Guardia Airport.
And again it is the New Deal
be La Guardia Airport.
And again it is the New Deal
money that makes this possible.
And again it is the New Deal
money that makes this possible.
The biggest program that the WPA
money that makes this possible.
The biggest program that the WPA
undertook anywhere in the
The biggest program that the WPA
undertook anywhere in the
country was the construction of
undertook anywhere in the
country was the construction of
La Guardia Airport.
Country was the construction of
La Guardia Airport.
And he is out there every day.
La Guardia Airport.
And he is out there every day.
He is, you know, hands on.
And he is out there every day.
He is, you know, hands on.
He is watching the construction
He is, you know, hands on.
He is watching the construction
of this thing because he
He is watching the construction
of this thing because he
understands that this is the
of this thing because he
understands that this is the
next link, you know, that the
understands that this is the
next link, you know, that the
city has always thrived on
next link, you know, that the
city has always thrived on
linkages, on connectivity.
City has always thrived on
linkages, on connectivity.
There has been the Black Ball
linkages, on connectivity.
There has been the Black Ball
Line, you know, connection, the
There has been the Black Ball
Line, you know, connection, the
Erie Canal Line connection, and
Line, you know, connection, the
Erie Canal Line connection, and
the Atlantic cable connection,
Erie Canal Line connection, and
the Atlantic cable connection,
and the steamboat and the
the Atlantic cable connection,
and the steamboat and the
steamer connection.
And the steamboat and the
steamer connection.
This is the 20th century's great
steamer connection.
This is the 20th century's great
linkage to be made and he seizes
This is the 20th century's great
linkage to be made and he seizes
it.
Linkage to be made and he seizes
it.
NARRATOR: But for all the
it.
NARRATOR: But for all the
accomplishments of La Guardia's
NARRATOR: But for all the
accomplishments of La Guardia's
first term, no one was more
accomplishments of La Guardia's
first term, no one was more
aware than La Guardia himself
first term, no one was more
aware than La Guardia himself
how much remained to be done,
aware than La Guardia himself
how much remained to be done,
and five years into his tenure
how much remained to be done,
and five years into his tenure
in city hall he continued to
and five years into his tenure
in city hall he continued to
drive himself at a pace that
in city hall he continued to
drive himself at a pace that
amazed and increasingly worried
drive himself at a pace that
amazed and increasingly worried
his closest associates.
Amazed and increasingly worried
his closest associates.
Of them all, none was closer
his closest associates.
Of them all, none was closer
than Charles C. Burlingham, a
Of them all, none was closer
than Charles C. Burlingham, a
legendary, 81-year-old lawyer
than Charles C. Burlingham, a
legendary, 81-year-old lawyer
and civic reformer, widely known
legendary, 81-year-old lawyer
and civic reformer, widely known
as "New York's first citizen."
and civic reformer, widely known
as "New York's first citizen."
The distinguished barrister was
as "New York's first citizen."
The distinguished barrister was
as proud as anyone in the city
The distinguished barrister was
as proud as anyone in the city
of the progress La Guardia had
as proud as anyone in the city
of the progress La Guardia had
made in turning New York into
of the progress La Guardia had
made in turning New York into
what the mayor himself called
made in turning New York into
what the mayor himself called
"the world's greatest experiment
what the mayor himself called
"the world's greatest experiment
in social and political
"the world's greatest experiment
in social and political
democracy."
in social and political
democracy."
But he had come to fear for the
democracy."
But he had come to fear for the
health and well-being of the
But he had come to fear for the
health and well-being of the
driven little mayor who had come
health and well-being of the
driven little mayor who had come
to identify himself so
driven little mayor who had come
to identify himself so
completely with the people of
to identify himself so
completely with the people of
New York City.
Completely with the people of
New York City.
"You are a very tired man and
New York City.
"You are a very tired man and
must get some rest," Burlingham
"You are a very tired man and
must get some rest," Burlingham
wrote in a confidential letter
must get some rest," Burlingham
wrote in a confidential letter
to the mayor.
Wrote in a confidential letter
to the mayor.
"When I drive through the vast
to the mayor.
"When I drive through the vast
reaches of the Bronx and see the
"When I drive through the vast
reaches of the Bronx and see the
swarming myriads, I say to
reaches of the Bronx and see the
swarming myriads, I say to
myself, 'Can it be that one man
swarming myriads, I say to
myself, 'Can it be that one man
is responsible for the welfare
myself, 'Can it be that one man
is responsible for the welfare
of these people?'"
is responsible for the welfare
of these people?'"
READER: "The world is in
of these people?'"
READER: "The world is in
chaos, struggling to master its
READER: "The world is in
chaos, struggling to master its
own inventions.
Chaos, struggling to master its
own inventions.
We are in danger of being
own inventions.
We are in danger of being
annihilated by forces which we
We are in danger of being
annihilated by forces which we
ourselves set up.
Annihilated by forces which we
ourselves set up.
The world calls for an answer to
ourselves set up.
The world calls for an answer to
this problem of mastering our
The world calls for an answer to
this problem of mastering our
own inventions and we propose in
this problem of mastering our
own inventions and we propose in
1939 to contribute to that
own inventions and we propose in
1939 to contribute to that
answer."
1939 to contribute to that
answer."
Michael Hare, secretary of the
answer."
Michael Hare, secretary of the
World's Fair.
Michael Hare, secretary of the
World's Fair.
NARRATOR: By the spring of
World's Fair.
NARRATOR: By the spring of
1939, excitement was building
NARRATOR: By the spring of
1939, excitement was building
all across New York.
1939, excitement was building
all across New York.
For nearly three years, an army
all across New York.
For nearly three years, an army
of men working under Robert
For nearly three years, an army
of men working under Robert
Moses had been laboring to
of men working under Robert
Moses had been laboring to
transform a 12,000-acre ash heap
Moses had been laboring to
transform a 12,000-acre ash heap
far out on the northern edge of
transform a 12,000-acre ash heap
far out on the northern edge of
Queens into the site of one of
far out on the northern edge of
Queens into the site of one of
the most breathlessly
Queens into the site of one of
the most breathlessly
anticipated collective
the most breathlessly
anticipated collective
enterprises of the decade.
Anticipated collective
enterprises of the decade.
A hymn to progress, forged in
enterprises of the decade.
A hymn to progress, forged in
the searing crucible of the
A hymn to progress, forged in
the searing crucible of the
Great Depression, the monumental
the searing crucible of the
Great Depression, the monumental
fair would, when complete,
Great Depression, the monumental
fair would, when complete,
project the image of a bold new
fair would, when complete,
project the image of a bold new
city of tomorrow that in 1939
project the image of a bold new
city of tomorrow that in 1939
seemed just around the corner.
City of tomorrow that in 1939
seemed just around the corner.
JACKSON: The 1939 World's
seemed just around the corner.
JACKSON: The 1939 World's
Fair was a special moment in
JACKSON: The 1939 World's
Fair was a special moment in
time.
On the one hand, it was the
culmination of almost everything
culmination of almost everything
that had transformed in New York
that had transformed in New York
in the century and a quarter
in the century and a quarter
since the opening of the Erie
since the opening of the Erie
Canal, the creation of this
Canal, the creation of this
incredible world metropolis.
It was a technological
It was a technological
breakthrough: the opportunities
for the future, the automobile,
breakthrough: the opportunities
for the future, the automobile,
and what will the future look
for the future, the automobile,
and what will the future look
like.
And what will the future look
like.
There was a wonderful General
like.
There was a wonderful General
Motors exhibit, for example, and
There was a wonderful General
Motors exhibit, for example, and
all these kind of gleaming
Motors exhibit, for example, and
all these kind of gleaming
aluminum buildings.
All these kind of gleaming
aluminum buildings.
Robert Moses, of course, was at
aluminum buildings.
Robert Moses, of course, was at
the center of this.
Robert Moses, of course, was at
the center of this.
It was a gigantic World's Fair
The center of this.
It was a gigantic World's Fair
bigger, I think, than any
It was a gigantic World's Fair
bigger, I think, than any
World's Fair that had ever taken
bigger, I think, than any
World's Fair that had ever taken
place up until that point in
World's Fair that had ever taken
place up until that point in
terms of numbers of people
place up until that point in
terms of numbers of people
coming through the turnstiles
Terms of numbers of people
coming through the turnstiles
incredible event.
Coming through the turnstiles
incredible event.
NARRATOR: An exhilarating
incredible event.
NARRATOR: An exhilarating
sense of wonder and a kind of
NARRATOR: An exhilarating
sense of wonder and a kind of
serene ambivalence presided over
sense of wonder and a kind of
serene ambivalence presided over
the New York World's Fair, which
serene ambivalence presided over
the New York World's Fair, which
from the day it opened on April
the New York World's Fair, which
from the day it opened on April
30, 1939, touched a deep chord
from the day it opened on April
30, 1939, touched a deep chord
in the consciousness of the
30, 1939, touched a deep chord
in the consciousness of the
American people and proved to be
in the consciousness of the
American people and proved to be
an enormous success.
American people and proved to be
an enormous success.
Day after day, week after week,
an enormous success.
Day after day, week after week,
immense crowds streamed through
Day after day, week after week,
immense crowds streamed through
the sleek Art Deco gates and on
immense crowds streamed through
the sleek Art Deco gates and on
into the shimmering, dreamlike
the sleek Art Deco gates and on
into the shimmering, dreamlike
interior of the fair, drifting
into the shimmering, dreamlike
interior of the fair, drifting
through scores of international
interior of the fair, drifting
through scores of international
exhibits and dozens of corporate
through scores of international
exhibits and dozens of corporate
pavilions, bristling with
exhibits and dozens of corporate
pavilions, bristling with
consumer products and modern
pavilions, bristling with
consumer products and modern
devices of all kinds that
consumer products and modern
devices of all kinds that
promised a streamlined, chrome-
devices of all kinds that
promised a streamlined, chrome-
plated future where machines of
promised a streamlined, chrome-
plated future where machines of
all kinds delivered ordinary
plated future where machines of
all kinds delivered ordinary
people from the drudgery of
all kinds delivered ordinary
people from the drudgery of
housework and physical labor.
People from the drudgery of
housework and physical labor.
STERN: I think the fair
housework and physical labor.
STERN: I think the fair
itself has a sublime quality to
STERN: I think the fair
itself has a sublime quality to
it because it's the end of
itself has a sublime quality to
it because it's the end of
American innocence, not just New
it because it's the end of
American innocence, not just New
York innocence.
Somehow, it's the last time
Maybe the '50s was an afterglow,
maybe the '50s was an afterglow,
but I think it's the last time
but I think it's the last time
we believed we could save the
we believed we could save the
republic with a dishwasher, that
republic with a dishwasher, that
vacuuming would somehow
vacuuming would somehow
transform all American life.
If we only had a dishwasher, if
If we only had a dishwasher, if
we only had a vacuum cleaner,
our family life would be happy;
we only had a vacuum cleaner,
our family life would be happy;
we would be healthy.
Our family life would be happy;
we would be healthy.
If we had a car it's the last
we would be healthy.
If we had a car it's the last
time we really believed that the
If we had a car it's the last
time we really believed that the
car was liberating, because by
time we really believed that the
car was liberating, because by
the end of the Second World War,
car was liberating, because by
the end of the Second World War,
the car was nothing but a
the end of the Second World War,
the car was nothing but a
traffic nightmare.
The car was nothing but a
traffic nightmare.
Whereas, in the '30s you dreamed
traffic nightmare.
Whereas, in the '30s you dreamed
of having a car to be able to go
Whereas, in the '30s you dreamed
of having a car to be able to go
out on one of those Robert Moses
of having a car to be able to go
out on one of those Robert Moses
parkways out to Jones Beach or
out on one of those Robert Moses
parkways out to Jones Beach or
someplace like that.
Parkways out to Jones Beach or
someplace like that.
NARRATOR: In the end, the
someplace like that.
NARRATOR: In the end, the
futuristic city within a city
NARRATOR: In the end, the
futuristic city within a city
that was the world's fair was
futuristic city within a city
that was the world's fair was
itself a celebration of the
that was the world's fair was
itself a celebration of the
great city shimmering on the
itself a celebration of the
great city shimmering on the
horizon, and yet in many ways an
great city shimmering on the
horizon, and yet in many ways an
eerie repudiation of everything
horizon, and yet in many ways an
eerie repudiation of everything
it stood for.
Eerie repudiation of everything
it stood for.
At the very center of the fair
it stood for.
At the very center of the fair
stood the ravishing, pure-white
At the very center of the fair
stood the ravishing, pure-white
Trylon and Perisphere, the last
stood the ravishing, pure-white
Trylon and Perisphere, the last
and most sublime of New York's
Trylon and Perisphere, the last
and most sublime of New York's
great Art Deco icons.
And most sublime of New York's
great Art Deco icons.
Every day huge crowds thronged
great Art Deco icons.
Every day huge crowds thronged
into the sphere to gaze in
Every day huge crowds thronged
into the sphere to gaze in
wonder at the immense diorama
into the sphere to gaze in
wonder at the immense diorama
that had been constructed
wonder at the immense diorama
that had been constructed
inside, called Democracity, a
that had been constructed
inside, called Democracity, a
radiant vision of the city of
inside, called Democracity, a
radiant vision of the city of
tomorrow, wiped clean of the
radiant vision of the city of
tomorrow, wiped clean of the
complexity, congestion, and
tomorrow, wiped clean of the
complexity, congestion, and
disorder of New York.
Complexity, congestion, and
disorder of New York.
But the largest crowds by far
disorder of New York.
But the largest crowds by far
gathered for the General Motors
But the largest crowds by far
gathered for the General Motors
exhibit, called Futurama, where,
gathered for the General Motors
exhibit, called Futurama, where,
once inside, visitors in moving
exhibit, called Futurama, where,
once inside, visitors in moving
chairs circled a 36,000-square-
once inside, visitors in moving
chairs circled a 36,000-square-
foot model showing the United
chairs circled a 36,000-square-
foot model showing the United
States as the designers
foot model showing the United
States as the designers
envisioned it 25 years hence in
States as the designers
envisioned it 25 years hence in
the year 1960.
Envisioned it 25 years hence in
the year 1960.
They would never forget what
the year 1960.
They would never forget what
they saw there.
They would never forget what
they saw there.
WALLACE: And what you see
they saw there.
WALLACE: And what you see
there you sit in your little
WALLACE: And what you see
there you sit in your little
cushion, two-seater sofas, and
there you sit in your little
cushion, two-seater sofas, and
you roll along.
Cushion, two-seater sofas, and
you roll along.
It's an early, pre-Disney
you roll along.
It's an early, pre-Disney
enterprise and you go over a
It's an early, pre-Disney
enterprise and you go over a
scale map of the United States.
Enterprise and you go over a
scale map of the United States.
And what do you see?
Scale map of the United States.
And what do you see?
What is the vision of tomorrow?
And what do you see?
What is the vision of tomorrow?
The vision of tomorrow is
What is the vision of tomorrow?
The vision of tomorrow is
highways and huge central cities
The vision of tomorrow is
highways and huge central cities
with soaring skyscrapers and
highways and huge central cities
with soaring skyscrapers and
little small satellite cities
with soaring skyscrapers and
little small satellite cities
and such.
Little small satellite cities
and such.
General Motors is, in fact, as
and such.
General Motors is, in fact, as
the New York Times said, selling
General Motors is, in fact, as
the New York Times said, selling
us the world of tomorrow, and
the New York Times said, selling
us the world of tomorrow, and
the world of tomorrow means that
us the world of tomorrow, and
the world of tomorrow means that
the public has to foot the bill
the world of tomorrow means that
the public has to foot the bill
to develop the infrastructure
the public has to foot the bill
to develop the infrastructure
which will make, in fact, the
to develop the infrastructure
which will make, in fact, the
triumph of the automobile
which will make, in fact, the
triumph of the automobile
possible.
Triumph of the automobile
possible.
NARRATOR: At the very center
possible.
NARRATOR: At the very center
of the park, General Motors had
NARRATOR: At the very center
of the park, General Motors had
a created an eerie blueprint for
of the park, General Motors had
a created an eerie blueprint for
New York's destruction and its
a created an eerie blueprint for
New York's destruction and its
replacement by a different kind
New York's destruction and its
replacement by a different kind
of world entirely.
Replacement by a different kind
of world entirely.
Gone were the crowded streets
of world entirely.
Gone were the crowded streets
and neighborhoods, and to a
Gone were the crowded streets
and neighborhoods, and to a
large extent the streets
and neighborhoods, and to a
large extent the streets
themselves.
Large extent the streets
themselves.
In their place, in an inner city
themselves.
In their place, in an inner city
eerily empty of human beings,
In their place, in an inner city
eerily empty of human beings,
rose tall towers widely
eerily empty of human beings,
rose tall towers widely
separated by broad swaths of
rose tall towers widely
separated by broad swaths of
green and bisected by highways
separated by broad swaths of
green and bisected by highways
14 lanes wide.
Green and bisected by highways
14 lanes wide.
Those highways carried people
14 lanes wide.
Those highways carried people
out of the city and into an
Those highways carried people
out of the city and into an
American landscape where people
out of the city and into an
American landscape where people
lived mostly in single-family
American landscape where people
lived mostly in single-family
houses accessible only by car
Lived mostly in single-family
houses accessible only by car
a landscape built not around the
houses accessible only by car
a landscape built not around the
needs of people, but around the
a landscape built not around the
needs of people, but around the
needs of automobiles.
Needs of people, but around the
needs of automobiles.
READER: "This is not a vague
needs of automobiles.
READER: "This is not a vague
dream of a life that might be
READER: "This is not a vague
dream of a life that might be
lived in the far future, but one
dream of a life that might be
lived in the far future, but one
that could be lived tomorrow
lived in the far future, but one
that could be lived tomorrow
morning if we willed it so.
That could be lived tomorrow
morning if we willed it so.
The relation between these units
morning if we willed it so.
The relation between these units
of stone and steel, highway and
The relation between these units
of stone and steel, highway and
green is a symbol of the new
of stone and steel, highway and
green is a symbol of the new
life of tomorrow.
Green is a symbol of the new
life of tomorrow.
That life will be based on a
life of tomorrow.
That life will be based on a
contribution of all elements to
That life will be based on a
contribution of all elements to
a new and living democracy."
contribution of all elements to
a new and living democracy."
Robert Korn.
A new and living democracy."
Robert Korn.
JACKSON: But then it took
Robert Korn.
JACKSON: But then it took
place against the backdrop of
JACKSON: But then it took
place against the backdrop of
the darkness that was coming
place against the backdrop of
the darkness that was coming
over the world.
The darkness that was coming
over the world.
1939, summer of 1939, though
over the world.
1939, summer of 1939, though
World War II had really not
1939, summer of 1939, though
World War II had really not
started, there was an ominous
World War II had really not
started, there was an ominous
feeling around the world.
Started, there was an ominous
feeling around the world.
Hitler of course, his soldiers
feeling around the world.
Hitler of course, his soldiers
were marching.
Hitler of course, his soldiers
were marching.
Luftwaffe was regarded as this
were marching.
Luftwaffe was regarded as this
new threatening thing.
Luftwaffe was regarded as this
new threatening thing.
There was an unease about
new threatening thing.
There was an unease about
things.
There was an unease about
things.
And so I find what's fascinating
things.
And so I find what's fascinating
about that World's Fair is on
And so I find what's fascinating
about that World's Fair is on
the one hand all the promise of
about that World's Fair is on
the one hand all the promise of
the future, the celebration of
the one hand all the promise of
the future, the celebration of
the past, and how far we have
the future, the celebration of
the past, and how far we have
come.
The past, and how far we have
come.
We're coming out of the
come.
We're coming out of the
depression.
We're coming out of the
depression.
We're creating this new,
depression.
We're creating this new,
wonderful space.
We're creating this new,
wonderful space.
We're celebrating, in a sense,
wonderful space.
We're celebrating, in a sense,
the achievements of the world.
We're celebrating, in a sense,
the achievements of the world.
And meanwhile, there's this
the achievements of the world.
And meanwhile, there's this
cloud that we can see in
And meanwhile, there's this
cloud that we can see in
retrospect, but they can see and
cloud that we can see in
retrospect, but they can see and
feel almost themselves at the
retrospect, but they can see and
feel almost themselves at the
time, which makes that just such
feel almost themselves at the
time, which makes that just such
a poignant moment in time.
Time, which makes that just such
a poignant moment in time.
NARRATOR: More than 30
a poignant moment in time.
NARRATOR: More than 30
million people passed through
NARRATOR: More than 30
million people passed through
the gates of the New York
million people passed through
the gates of the New York
World's Fair in the last perfect
the gates of the New York
World's Fair in the last perfect
summer of 1939.
World's Fair in the last perfect
summer of 1939.
Before the first season of the
summer of 1939.
Before the first season of the
fair was out, however, ominous
Before the first season of the
fair was out, however, ominous
news came from abroad.
Fair was out, however, ominous
news came from abroad.
On September 1, 1939, word
news came from abroad.
On September 1, 1939, word
reached New York that Hitler had
On September 1, 1939, word
reached New York that Hitler had
invaded Poland.
Reached New York that Hitler had
invaded Poland.
Within days, England and France
invaded Poland.
Within days, England and France
had declared war on Germany and
Within days, England and France
had declared war on Germany and
the battle for Europe had begun.
Had declared war on Germany and
the battle for Europe had begun.
The fair itself would lumber
the battle for Europe had begun.
The fair itself would lumber
along uncertainly for a few more
The fair itself would lumber
along uncertainly for a few more
months before closing in the
along uncertainly for a few more
months before closing in the
fall of 1940 with barely enough
months before closing in the
fall of 1940 with barely enough
money left over to demolish the
fall of 1940 with barely enough
money left over to demolish the
exhibits and clear the land.
Money left over to demolish the
exhibits and clear the land.
In the end, the 4,000 tons of
exhibits and clear the land.
In the end, the 4,000 tons of
structural steel that had gone
In the end, the 4,000 tons of
structural steel that had gone
into the Trylon and Perisphere
structural steel that had gone
into the Trylon and Perisphere
would be donated to the United
into the Trylon and Perisphere
would be donated to the United
States military and used to make
would be donated to the United
States military and used to make
instruments of war.
States military and used to make
instruments of war.
America itself was still at
instruments of war.
America itself was still at
peace, but it was hard "to block
America itself was still at
peace, but it was hard "to block
out thought," one man said, "of
peace, but it was hard "to block
out thought," one man said, "of
what might really be in store
out thought," one man said, "of
what might really be in store
for the world of tomorrow."
what might really be in store
for the world of tomorrow."
For 18 more months, the United
for the world of tomorrow."
For 18 more months, the United
States stayed out of the
For 18 more months, the United
States stayed out of the
fighting, but the storm clouds
States stayed out of the
fighting, but the storm clouds
were drawing near.
Fighting, but the storm clouds
were drawing near.
In New York, Robert Moses and
were drawing near.
In New York, Robert Moses and
Fiorello La Guardia raced to
In New York, Robert Moses and
Fiorello La Guardia raced to
complete as many public-works
Fiorello La Guardia raced to
complete as many public-works
projects as they could before
complete as many public-works
projects as they could before
federal resources were diverted
projects as they could before
federal resources were diverted
to the war effort.
Federal resources were diverted
to the war effort.
Then, in the dwindling days of
to the war effort.
Then, in the dwindling days of
1941, Japan attacked Pearl
Then, in the dwindling days of
1941, Japan attacked Pearl
Harbor and the city and country
1941, Japan attacked Pearl
Harbor and the city and country
mobilized for war.
Harbor and the city and country
mobilized for war.
With civilian needs indefinitely
mobilized for war.
With civilian needs indefinitely
deferred, the New York Housing
With civilian needs indefinitely
deferred, the New York Housing
Authority's blueprints were
deferred, the New York Housing
Authority's blueprints were
rolled up and stored away.
Authority's blueprints were
rolled up and stored away.
The unfinished steel and
rolled up and stored away.
The unfinished steel and
concrete tubes of the Brooklyn-
The unfinished steel and
concrete tubes of the Brooklyn-
Battery Tunnel would sit empty
concrete tubes of the Brooklyn-
Battery Tunnel would sit empty
beneath the harbor, sealed and
Battery Tunnel would sit empty
beneath the harbor, sealed and
forgotten, for the duration of
beneath the harbor, sealed and
forgotten, for the duration of
the war.
Forgotten, for the duration of
the war.
In the strange, eventful, and
the war.
In the strange, eventful, and
eerily suspended years to come,
In the strange, eventful, and
eerily suspended years to come,
time itself often seemed to
eerily suspended years to come,
time itself often seemed to
stand still in New York, while
time itself often seemed to
stand still in New York, while
beneath it the forces of change
stand still in New York, while
beneath it the forces of change
ran faster than ever before.
Beneath it the forces of change
ran faster than ever before.
Visit New York Online.
Ran faster than ever before.
Visit New York Online.
Jump into a taxi and play a
Visit New York Online.
Jump into a taxi and play a
quiz game.
Jump into a taxi and play a
quiz game.
Visit a virtual New York.
Quiz game.
Visit a virtual New York.
And for teachers and parents,
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.
Take your kids on a learning
adventure through your town.
PBS Online at pbs.org.
Adventure through your town.
PBS Online at pbs.org.
America Online keyword: PBS.
PBS Online at pbs.org.
America Online keyword: PBS.
[Captioned by
America Online keyword: PBS.
[Captioned by
The Caption Center