American Experience Season 15 Episode 4 Chicago: City of the Century (Part 2)

In the second part of "Chicago: City of the Century," the American Experience explores the rise and reign of Chicago as one of the most important cities in the United States. The show charts the history of the city from the turn of the 20th century to the early 21st century, examining its political, social, and economic changes.

The episode begins in the early 1900s, a time when Chicago was a busy industrial center with a bustling downtown. The show highlights the contributions of important architects like Daniel Burnham and Louis Sullivan, who helped shape Chicago's skyline and culture. The program also examines the rise of the "Chicago School" of economics, which focused on the efficient use of resources and helped build the city's reputation as a business and financial powerhouse.

The documentary then takes the viewers to the Great Depression and World War II, two events that shaped Chicago's destiny and identity. The show explores how Chicago became a key player in the war effort, using its factories and ports to supply the troops and the Allies. It also illustrates how the city's diverse population, including African Americans who migrated to Chicago in great numbers during the war, struggled with inequality and discrimination.

Moving on to the post-war era, the episode highlights the many changes that reshaped Chicago in the 1950s and 1960s. The show charts the decline of the city's manufacturing sector, the expansion of its suburbs, and the rise of African American leaders like Harold Washington, who became the first black mayor of Chicago in 1983. The program also explores the city's cultural contributions, including the birth of blues and jazz music, the founding of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the emergence of Chicago as a hub of the visual arts.

The episode concludes by looking at the challenges that Chicago faces in the 21st century, including its ongoing struggles with gun violence, poverty, and racial inequality. The show examines the efforts of community organizers, activists, and policymakers to address these issues and build a more equitable and just city. It also explores some of the recent changes in Chicago's economy and culture, including the growth of tech companies, the opening of new cultural institutions like the Obama Presidential Center, and the ongoing efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and public spaces.

Throughout the episode, the American Experience provides a comprehensive and fascinating account of Chicago's place in American history and culture, using archival footage, interviews with historians and experts, and narration to craft a compelling story of one of the country's most complex and dynamic cities. Whether you're a Chicago native or a curious outsider, this episode is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and future of one of America's most iconic urban centers.