ABSTRACT
The growth of cities in the United States can be divided into three major phases: the commercial period (1620–1850), the industrial period (1850–1920), and the corporate period (1920–present). During the commercial period only 5–15 percent of the population lived in cities, and their local economies were dominated by trade. During the industrial period, cities grew in both population and geographically as new factories attracted workers. During the corporate period, cities have become decentralized as many firms and residents have moved to the suburbs.
Urban growth is guided by a variety of actors. Property capitalists develop and sell real estate as a commodity. Local government officials establish the regulatory environment in which developers operate, including zoning laws to control real estate use and tax programs meant to encourage desired development. Corporations also influence growth by employing (or laying off) workers.
