Surveying American urbanization from the sixteenth century to the present, this well-rounded and well-written book blends social, political, economic, and cultural history perspectives to shed light on the ways in which diverse peoples have inhabited and interacted in cities. KEY TOPICS: Highlights urbanization's constantly shifting nature-weaving insightful discussions throughout on adapting, and coping between people, the environment that they build, and the power structures that affect their lives. Includes discussions on ethnic and racial minority issues, women, African-Americans, Civil War, urban politics, boss politics and reform, and much more. Features exceptional illustrations throughout plus a fully annotated bibliography, and now covers social history, cultural history and government policy up to the end of the 20th century. MARKET: For urban planners, historians, economists, and sociologists.