The Dark Side of New York in the 1800s: Tenements, Crime, and Saloons

🏢Tenement houses and poverty-stricken neighborhoods dominated New York's East Side in the 1800s.

🍺Rum saloons, both legal and illegal, were prevalent in the tenement districts, causing immense harm to the poor.

📸Jacob Riis, a social reformer and photographer, documented and exposed the appalling living conditions of the poor in New York.

🚫Efforts to prohibit the sale of alcohol to children in saloons were often disregarded, contributing to the corruption of the youth.

💔The saloons' influence bred poverty, corrupted politics, and caused immense suffering to the families of drunkards.

What were the living conditions like in the tenements of New York in the 1800s?

—The living conditions in the tenements of New York in the 1800s were appalling. Overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and poverty were rampant. Families lived in cramped spaces with limited access to clean water and proper sanitation.

How did saloons contribute to the corruption of politics in New York?

—Saloons in New York had strong ties to politics, with many dive-keepers becoming influential figures. The relationship between saloon owners and politicians led to corrupt practices, including bribery and favoritism.

Who was Jacob Riis and what did he contribute?

—Jacob Riis was a Danish American social reformer and photographer. Through his work as a police reporter, he exposed the terrible living conditions in New York's tenement houses. His photographs and writings helped drive the reform of the city's sanitation and housing conditions.

How prevalent were illegal saloons in the tenement districts?

—Illegal saloons were widespread in the tenement districts of New York. These unlicensed backstreet dives often disregarded the law prohibiting the sale of alcohol to children. The presence of illegal saloons contributed to the corruption and suffering within these neighborhoods.

What impact did saloons have on the families of drunkards?

—The saloons caused immense suffering to the families of drunkards. The availability of cheap alcohol meant that drunkards could easily drink away their woes while neglecting their responsibilities. This led to increased poverty, domestic violence, and the neglect of children.

00:00In the 1800s, New York's East Side was plagued with crime and poverty.

01:23Jacob Riis, a social reformer and photographer, documented and exposed the appalling living conditions of the poor.

02:28Saloons, both legal and illegal, thrived in the tenement districts, contributing to the corruption of politics and the suffering of the poor.

04:28Efforts to prohibit the sale of alcohol to children in saloons were often disregarded, contributing to the corruption of the youth.

07:31The saloons' influence bred poverty, corrupted politics, and caused immense suffering to the families of drunkards.