Essay Sample on Urban Development in Colonial America: 1625-1742

Introduction

In Carl Bridenbaugh's Cities in the Wilderness, urban development in colonial America from 1625 to 1742 is associated with cultural and economic patterns changes and various problems in growing cities. During the colonial period, the country develops under urban conditions; therefore, Cities in the Wilderness analyzes American history up to 1742, which marks the end of colonialism. Towns such as Boston, New York, Newport, Philadelphia, and Charles Town are used to illustrate the influence of political institutions and geographical location on urban development. The cities were mere villages; however, natural advantages such as geographic position influence the kind of economic life, which in turn leads to the rise of towns. Another factor that leads to the growth of towns is the presence of usable streets, highways, and other ways for transport. New York and Philadelphia become notable towns by the end of the 17th century, but Newport and Charles Town are left are mere villages. The growing population in urban areas creates the need for security, provision of sufficient water, and protection from ravages of fire. Three decades after 1690, the five towns experience tremendous economic expansion; by 1720, merchants establish avenues of trade and import some of their commodities from England. By the beginning of the 18th century, social problems become inevitable; therefore, new methods to provide solutions are established. Nevertheless, issues such as fires grow instead of diminishing, leading to an increased need for improved firefighting techniques. By the end of the colonial period, continuous immigration to urban centers leads to rapid population growth in the cities. Increased economic activities in the frontier towns in America leads to commercial rivalries between different trade avenues.

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To illustrate urban development in America, the author analyzes the history of five cities: Boston, New York, Newport, Philadelphia, and Charles Town. In the Preface, Bridenbaugh states that he selected the towns to complete the picture of the social, cultural, economic, and physical aspects emerging due to the growth of cities. Bridenbaugh further uses the cities to show the effects of factors such as geographic location and political institutions on urban development. Also, Bridenbaugh uses various history books, and other well-known printed articles to facilitate his research on urban development in America. All the reference materials used by the author are cited as footnotes in his book. In his work, Bridenbaugh uses not only draws knowledge from the books but also quotes some of his sources directly, to support his main ideas. For instance, in the first chapter of Part 1, Bridenbaugh uses Drake's History and Antiquities of Boston to investigate the growth of the city and the social, cultural, and economic lives of its residents during the 17th century.

Some of the reference sources used in Bridenbaugh's Cities in the Wilderness are New York Colonial Documents and articles by the Massachusetts Historical Society - MHS Colls. The author uses New York Colonial Documents to investigate the history and development of New York during the colonial period. On the other hand, he uses MHS Colls to investigate social life in the five towns, and the economic competition that emerged between different trade markets. In Chapter 1 of the book, Bridenbaugh uses New York Colonial Documents articles to explain social, cultural, and economic life in the villages, as they flourish with increasing population to become towns, under European standards. Similarly, Bridenbaugh uses MHS Colls articles to give detailed information on the social challenges facing residents of the cities during the colonial period, which arise from urbanization.

I believe that Bridenbaugh wrote Cities in the Wilderness in a style that the reader could understand well. The language and choice of words favor not only readers from the time of the author (early 20th century) but also modern-day readers. The book rethinks the colonial period in America, which many historians though was marked by individualism and democracy, as indicated in the Preface. Therefore, the author wanted to communicate his thoughts supported by extensive research to all his readers, without neglecting any of them. Moreover, the three parts of the book are well-organized organized and divided into chapters; therefore, a reader can easily follow the plot. Also, the author has offered a detailed explanation for every historical change; therefore, before its end, the book leaves readers with no unanswered question. The author gave a summary of the book and essential information about it on the Preface; therefore, Cities in the Wilderness is easily understandable, even before one reads its first chapter.

Bridenbaugh's Cities in the Wilderness explores urban development only between 1625 and 1742; however, the growth of major cities in the US continues up to date. Therefore, I believe it would be helpful if the author explained a few details on post-colonialism in America, to ensure that readers understand not only the birth of cities but also the stages they underwent during their growth. Therefore, the book could explain contemporary social and economic patterns in cities, and the modern challenges facing urban centers.

Bridenbaugh's Cities in the Wilderness covers American history topics on colonialism from 1625 to 1742, which are not discussed in The American Promise by James Roark, Michael Johnson, and Patricia Cline Cohen. Bridenbaugh's book focuses on urbanization during the 17th and early 18th century; on the other hand, The American Promise majors on the political history of America between the 19th and 20th centuries. The former discusses the development of colonial cities and the challenges they face, whereas the latter analyzes democracy in America. Also, Cities in the Wilderness consolidates various research papers into one book, to ensure that every essential information reaches the reader; however, The American Promise uses appealing text, maps, photographs, images, and graphs to ensure that the book intrigues students, and they understand its content. Therefore, the books cover not only different historical periods, but also the main subjects differ.

Conclusion

Although Bridenbaugh's book might not be interesting for people who are not history enthusiasts, it is well researched, helpful, and informative. I would recommend the book to students and teachers because, in my opinion, it is a library of quality American history books and articles, all under one cover. Consequently, it arguably holds more knowledge than most of the American history books on the market today. Also, Cities in the Wilderness sheds light on the misunderstood areas in colonial history, and the rise of major cities in the US. Therefore, anyone interested in learning about the beginning of urban life in colonial America, or the birth and growth of towns and cities in the US should read Bridenbaugh's Cities in the Wilderness. Moreover, I would recommend the book history class students and teachers.

Works Cited

Bridenbaugh, Carl. Cities in the Wilderness - The First Century of Urban Life in America 1625-1742. Bridenbaugh P, 2008.