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I would say New York, Boston and Philadelphia all carry a high level of influence today and in 1950. The field is certainly more crowded in 2020 with newer cities entering the arena though, (Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, etc.).
I would say a lot of the Mid-West Upper Northeast Rust Belt cities have fallen back in their influence in 2020 and probably won't regain it, certainly not to the level in 1950.
I don't think Philadelphia will hit 2M people again, but it it poised to definitely close its lose gap as the city continues to grow.
I would say New York, Boston and Philadelphia all carry a high level of influence today and in 1950. The field is certainly more crowded in 2020 with newer cities entering the arena though, (Atlanta, Dallas, Seattle, etc.).
I would say a lot of the Mid-West Upper Northeast Rust Belt cities have fallen back in their influence in 2020 and probably won't regain it, certainly not to the level in 1950.
I don't think Philadelphia will hit 2M people again, but it it poised to definitely close its lose gap as the city continues to grow.
It is interesting to see the shifts in influence. Some cities in the Rust Belt have also been replaced on the GaWC as well. Some newer cities continue to catch up in GDP.
It is interesting to see the shifts in influence. Some cities in the Rust Belt have also been replaced on the GaWC as well. Some newer cities continue to catch up in GDP.
Free time, purchasing power, not needing $100,000 worth of education to get a job...
I agree with this. We've gone backwards in terms of work and income.
I'll go with the rust belt here because 1950 was truly the height of it's glory. The northeast was powerful before then and since, but to pinpoint the peak of the northeast is more difficult.
The best years and growth for the midwest/rust belt were also some of the best years for the development of American cities. Compact, walkable, neighborly, sensible, still utilized mass transit without having to be trendy about it, yet big enough for cars.
In 1950 both regions were strong. Detroit was perhaps nearing its peak and Milwaukee, Cleveland, Chicago, and Pittsburgh were all major US manufacturing cities. However, the East Coast was the business center. NYC, Philly, Boston were tops with Baltimore right behind. Of course DC has always been important. So overall I vote east coast in 1950. But not even close today due to the changes in industry and commerce. Does make one wonder what changes will be in another 70 years, 2090. Too bad most of us won’t be around to see it.
Crazy to think that Cleveland and St. Louis would be the Midwestern equivalents to Boston and DC if they hadn't gone into severe decline. Detroit would certainly be the answer to Philadelphia in the central region of the U.S. as well.
Crazy to think that Cleveland and St. Louis would be the Midwestern equivalents to Boston and DC if they hadn't gone into severe decline. Detroit would certainly be the answer to Philadelphia in the central region of the U.S. as well.
Cincinnati somewhere in between a Baltimore and Philadelphia. Same for Milwaukee.
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