Urbanization: Origins and Growth of Cities

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
Work Cited

Introduction

Cities are considered integral elements of modern life, but it was not always the case. Ancient people were nomads, and they did not have to create stable settlements. However, specific phenomena and development processes changed this state of affairs, and the first cities began to emerge. Various scholars agree that two requirements should be present for a city to be created. Firstly, there should be a sufficient surplus of food and other resources (Hutter 37). Secondly, the people require a specific form of social organization, which implies that this surplus should be distributed among all inhabitants (Hutter 37). The two are necessary conditions, but they are not the only determining ones. The division of people into various social classes, increased education, and particular religious beliefs contributed to the emergence and development of cities.

Discussion

To begin with, one should explain that various social classes promote the emergence and growth of cities. People initially were nomads and relied on hunting and gathering to find food. However, appropriate development processes resulted in the spread of agriculture, which allowed people to produce food and settle in limited areas. In these settlements, there was a division of labor because specific skills were necessary to cope with agriculture, warfare, trade, and other activities. That is why there emerged various social classes, including artisans, farmers, workers, merchants, priests, and officials (Hutter 40). The significance of the latter two cannot be overestimated because they represent a ruling class that is responsible for distributing the resource surplus. Thus, when a person masters a specific skill, they can offer their services or products to others who need them. This statement denotes that people were interested in living together because their cooperation resulted in mutual benefits. That is why there is no doubt that the emergence of social classes and the distribution of labor significantly contributed to the rise and growth of ancient cities.

An increasing level of education was another factor that promoted the spread of cities. The Industrial Revolution that took place in the 19th century perfectly proves this statement. During the Revolution, many educated and skillful persons invented multiple innovations, including the steam engine, cotton gin, spinning jenny, and other machines (Hutter 60). These innovative equipment pieces drastically increased production rates and resulted in the fact that more people were needed to operate them. As a result of this process, the existing cities experienced a period of extensive growth and development. For example, Hutter demonstrates that the population of Berlin increased from 172 thousand in 1800 to 2,424 thousand in 1900 (61). Many other European cities, such as London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome, witnessed the same processes during the Industrial Revolution. Furthermore, scholars started drawing more attention to cities and investigating their structure, composition, and density (Hutter 77). Research activities allowed scientists to identify inefficiencies and find ways to solve them, which would contribute to more intense growth. This information demonstrates that there is a robust and positive correlation between people’s increased education levels and urbanization.

In addition to that, one should not ignore the impact of religion on the formation of cities. According to Hutter, Gobekli Tepe, archeological discovery in Turkey, “contains massive carved stones about 11,000 years old, crafted and arranged by prehistoric people who had not yet developed metal tools or even pottery” (50-51). Numerous scholars are unanimous in assessing that this structure was a religious site or a temple for ancient people. Hutter stipulates that people’s religious beliefs had made them create primitive cities even before the division of labor and social classes emerged (51). One should admit that Gobekli Tepe is not the only argument to support the impact of religion. Other researchers indicate that Paleolithic humans had a strong fear of death and the unknown (Hutter 52). This belief made them stick together as well as form and develop their settlements. Since these people shared particular religious customs and had social solidarity, they created cities (Hutter 52). This information demonstrates that shared beliefs were crucial for urbanization because when individuals had the same religion, they were more willing to live together with others and develop their settlements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no doubt that urbanization is a complex and exciting process. Numerous factors are combined to create conditions that are favorable for cities to emerge and grow. The present paper has analyzed and focused on three contributing phenomena. They are distinct social classes, increased education levels, and particular religious beliefs. Each of these factors promoted urbanization in different periods and various parts of the world. Even though the paper has revealed an evident connection between these factors and the growth of cities, it is impossible to state that a single condition is more important. As has been mentioned, urbanization is a complex process that relies on multiple phenomena. That is why it is reasonable to draw attention to all the identified processes and adequately analyze their contribution. According to the paper, social classes, education, and beliefs significantly promoted the spread of cities.

Work Cited

Hutter, Mark. Experiencing Cities. 3rd ed., Routledge, 2016.

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Urbanization: Origins and Growth of Cities

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