The zenith of urbanism

Urbanism of the last century and a half has had a divided history; cities were both elegant and dismal. Many cities in the 19th and early 20th centuries became elegant places to stroll, shop, dine, and watch the passing parade. Earlier, cities had grandeur, but also unpaved streets, no sidewalks, poor lighting, no police, poor sanitation, and often angry populations. But the 19th century saw a flowering of urbanism feed by the wealth and creativity of new economic and political systems. Savannah, Manhattan, and Paris were examples of the emerging grace, excitement, and beauty of cities.