Urban Crisis: Fire and Water is the third e–seminar in The History of New York City, a series based on Kenneth T. Jackson's legendary course, which he has taught for more than three decades, on the history of New York City. In this e–seminar, Professor Jackson examines the various ways that over the years New York City has responded to fires and water–supply problems, two of the serious challenges faced by urban populations. He chronicles the history of firefighting from its origins as a volunteer activity to its eventual professionalization in the nineteenth century, and analyzes some of the city's most well–known disasters, including the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire, the General Slocum fire, and the recent 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. He discusses the city's success in finding an adequate water supply and building the infrastructure to transport it. In the following e–seminar, Professor Jackson looks at three other perennial urban issues—public health, crime prevention, and the need for open spaces. T1, Cable, or ISDN users select High. 56k modem users select Low. For more information, please read the technical requirements. Not registered? E-seminar information © 2002 Columbia University | Privacy Policy This e–seminar is being provided to you for your own use. Any copying or distribution of this e–seminar is prohibited.