Bibliograph

Smoldering city, Chicagoans and the Great Fire, 1871-1874, Karen Sawislak

Type

Label

Smoldering city, Chicagoans and the Great Fire, 1871-1874, Karen Sawislak

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 355-375) and index

Illustrations

illustrationsmaps

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Smoldering city

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

32550336

Responsibility statement

Karen Sawislak

Series statement

Historical studies of urban America

Sub title

Chicagoans and the Great Fire, 1871-1874

Summary

Examines the various debates the city faced after the Chicago fire in dealing with homelessness, the care and feeding of much of the population and the problem of rebuilding amidst political chaos and people working at cross purposes. Explains the events that led up to the Chicago fire: intensely dry conditions, a 20-m.p.h. southwest wind, and an unfortunate spark at 10 o"clock on the night of Oct. 8 all combined to turn Chicago into a "vast ocean of flame". The rift between the immigrant working class and the wealthy 'native-born' Chicagoans made Catherine O'Leary (and her famous cow) a perfect scapegoat for anti-Irish, anti-working class invective. Provides historical maps, plates and engravings, with an epilogue and notes

Table Of Contents

1. Barriers Burned -- 2. Relief, Aid, and Order -- 3. Burdens and Boundaries -- 4. The Meanings of Cooperation -- 5. Laws and Order

Classification

Creator