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Chicago in the 20th century and today
Home » Chicago » Chicago Overview and History » Chicago in the 20th century and todayThe early decades of the 20th century saw a massive population movement, as more than two million African-Americans relocated from the South to the North. Chicago was a chief destination, and its African-American population grew rapidly. Hostility against these newcomers resulted in oppression, discrimination, and rioting; and race relations continued to be an enormous problem for the city, which has only just begun to be healed in recent times. In the present day, Chicago is one of the most diverse cities in the United States.
The "Roaring '20s" certainly roared in Chicago. Chicagoans in general did not favor Prohibition -- in fact, they voted six to one against it in an advisory referendum. The Prohibition era saw the rise of mob bosses, whose gangs made an easy living selling bootlegged liquor. Al Capone, the most notorious of these, ruled with practical impunity from 1924 to 1931. Widespread corruption among the police forces at that time helped to secure his domination, as did his habit of having his adversaries gunned down. The Untouchables and several other movies have re-created this moment in history on film.
Like many large cities that had major defense contracts during World War II, Chicago experienced a huge population growth in the 1940s. The city’s population reached 3.6 million in 1950, after which it entered a 50-year period of decline. During this time, there was an ongoing trend of Chicago's residents relocating to suburban areas not incorporated in the city limits. The 2000 Census demonstrated that Chicago's population is on the rise once more. City government has worked hard to make the city a better place to live, with projects ranging from urban renewal to improving public schools. There has also been a new influx of people from other nations into Chicago. Today, Chicago is a vibrant city of 77 distinctive neighborhoods, incredible ethnic and cultural diversity, a strong arts community, and over 30 million visitors each year.
Resources:
Baty, Chris. Lonely Planet City Guide to Chicago, third edition. Oakland, California: Lonely Planet, 2004.
Conzen, Michael P. “Chicago (city, Illinois)," Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2005. http://encarta.msn.com. © 1997-2005.
Given, Tom. Chicago -- Condensed. Oakland, California: Lonely Planet, 2001.
Terry, Cliff. Off the Beaten Path: Chicago, third edition. Guilford, Connecticut: Insiders' Guide, 2005.
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