ABSTRACT
The 1960 Census notes that cities frequently expanded their territory through annexation in the 1950s, with some cities achieving substantial territorial expansion. In many cases this significantly affected both absolute and relative population growth. Territorial expansion has been especially intensive in cities of the South and West. The South, which used to lag behind other regions in the level of urbanization, has been accelerating its rate both because of major social-economic shifts in agriculture and the development of industry. Annexations may also be inspired by businessmen and politicians of the central city, interested in new land for industrial and residential construction. They also seek to control the course of development of territory adjoining the city, thus enhancing its importance. Another factor is the desire to gain additional taxpayers and thus reduce the deficit in the municipal budget so characteristic of many American cities.
