Ten Successes that Shaped the 20th Century American City
by Laurence C. Gerckens

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Planning historian Larry Gerckens takes a closer look at what he considers the ten most significant "successes" that shaped the development of America's cities in the 20th century.


From PCJ #38, Spring 2000
  • companion article, Ten Failures that Shaped the 20th Century American City
  • see also Ten Events that Shaped the 20th Century American City
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  • The Ten Successes Discussed by Gerckens:
  • Provision of Pure Water and Effective Sewage Treatment
  • The Isolation of Dangerous and Disharmonious Land Uses
  • Abolition of Corrupt Boss Governments
  • Development of Integrated Roadway Systems
  • Electrification of Cities and Regions
  • Advent of Universal Communications
  • Widespread Extension of Home Ownership
  • Realization of Metropolitan and Regional Park Systems
  • The Control of Land Subdivision
  • The Environmental Movement ...

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