Research the census data from 1790 and 2000. Submit a report comparing some of the information contained in the reports. For example, where was the demographic center of the country in each instance? How was ethnicity reported? How is census information used? What strikes you as the most interesting aspects of the reports?
The concept of collecting census data has been around for thousands of years. It was a census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem when Jesus was born. But it wasn't until the United States declared its independence and became its own country that counts were taken so consistently, or census records so well maintained.
There are many uses for census data, but the primary purpose for the creation of the US Federal Census was for tax and representation reasons1. Congress mandated a decennial population count in order to determine how to tax each state. But the data has found many other helpful uses.
Population changes and migration patterns can be mapped based on census records. I'm sure it wouldn't surprise anyone to hear that New York City has been the most populous urban US city on every census since 1790, but the rest of the list has seen some major differences. In 1790, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was in second place with 28,522 people, but falls to fifth place in 2000 with one and a half million people! There are cities in the 2000 census that did not exist in 1790, like Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles and of course, Forney. But ironically, one of the two cities that tied for 10th place in 1790 - Southwark, Pennsylvania - doesn't exist today. What is interesting to research is how historical events affect the population densities of different areas of the United States. After railroads reached the west cost, and the Gold Rush fever brought people out, San Francisco hit the population list in just a few short years and by 1900 was in the top ten. Between 1860 and 1870, several cities in the south dropped off the top 100 cities rankings completely, I'm sure as a direct result of the Civil War.
Although not very accurately, census records have shown ethnic population changes. Not accurately because of the way blacks were counted in the decades since the first census, and the lack of counts for other racial groups at the time.
In 1833 the population of the newly incorporated town of Chicago was 250 people, by 1854, only 20 years later, the population had swelled to over 75 thousand. The city of Chicago had ascended from a tiny trading outpost to a thriving metropolis at an unprecedented speed.
The beginning of the population was predominately white. In 1800 the population of Cleaveland was what now would be an unheard of 7. In 10 years however the population grew to 57, 10 years following that increasing by almost %1100! What did 1840 now spell, as “Cleveland” was the 45th largest city in the nation at 6,071 people. Decade by decade Cleveland grew, becoming more of a populated city then others. Just 40 years after being the 45th largest city in the nation it was the 12th. When the 20th century came around Cleveland was proud to be the 7th largest city in the nation with 381,768 people. Although Cleveland never became the largest city in the nation, the closest they got was 5th with 900,429 people. Interesting enough, even though that was the highest position Cleveland ever got, that wasn’t the highest the population ever was. In 1950 the population was 914,808 which put them in 7th place.
Throughout United States history substantial demographic changes in population have taken place. In particular the state of Texas has proven
One of the primary changes between 1700 and 1750 was the changes in population, in the English colonies, increasing from 250,000 to one million. In the seventeenth century most of the immigrants to English North America came from England. In the eighteenth century they came instead from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Germany (http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects.pdf).
The progression of people into and within the United States has had an essential impact on the nation, both intentionally and unintentionally. Progressions such as The Great Migration and the Second Great Migration are examples of movements that impacted the United States greatly. During these movements, African Americans migrated to flee racism and prejudice in the South, as well as to inquire jobs in industrial cities. They were unable to escape racism, but they were able to infuse their culture into American society. During the twentieth century, economic and political problems led to movements such as The Great Migration and The Second Great Migration which impacted the United States significantly.
Historians stepped back to evaluate the significant historical facts were, and eliminate the non-historical facts. They used statistics to evaluate these. The censuses opened up a different perspective, substantiated by facts, rather than prejudices and assumptions. Evaluating the census numbers from 1910 to 1970 showed that the migration started well before the Dust Bowl. While it may have been a contributing factor, it was not the sole factor. An objective look at what else was going on at the
6 American Community Survey Demographic and Housing Estimates: 2008. U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau. http:// factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=01000US&- qr_name=ACS_2008_1YR_G00_DP5&-ds_name=ACS_2008_1YR_G00_&-_ lang=en&-redoLog=false&-format=
The market Revolution brought many changes, six of them were significant.The growth of the Cities was one change. The expansion of markets and the growth of the factories brought a slow urbanization. 5% of Americans lived in towns of less than 8,000 in 1830. That number triple to 16 percent in 1850. In 1840 the largest city in the nation had a population of 300,000. This was New York City (Schultz, 2013).
Mexican immigrant's that migrated to the United States from Mexico was at nearly half million
Over the years, the United States has evolved into a place where culture defines the American experience. Despite the difficulties that come when people have different life experiences, diversity carries strong importance in many organizations. Diversity comes in many forms such as race, age, income, and background. However, the most relevant is race. Race is defined as categories that generally reflect a social definition recognized in this country and not an attempt to define race biologically, anthropologically, or genetically ("What is race?," 2012) . Race is determined by self-identification.
Mount, Steve. “Constitutional Topic: The Census.” USConstitution.net. 3 Jan. 2011. Web. 31 July 2011. .
The industrial revolution was one of the causes of over population in Mexico City today. Once the revolution began people started moving to Mexico City. These people stayed in the city, started a family and a new life. Another factor that caused the overpopulation was the birth rate being higher than the death rate. (Viewpoints 263) “ This built-up was caused by people moving to Mexico City, causing a rapid growth in the population which, eventually, led to an increase of size of the city.
Controlling the population to aid counterinsurgency actions were seen by both men as essential. They both agreed that creating a census card to control the population would be very useful. The purpose of the census is to cut off, or at least reduce significantly, the contact between the population and the guerrillas. By watching the population’s activities after a while, the counterinsurgent personnel will be familiar with the population and easily spot unusual behavior patterns. Society could be kept in a somewhat organized mode to feel psychologically safe and thus help with the political mindset of the populous.
Major demographic changes happened from the 1960’s through the 2000’s, according to Charles Hill, “As of the late 1960’s four major facts described the demographics: first, U.S. dominance in the world economy and in the trade picture. Second, U.S. dominance in foreign direct investment (FDI). Third, U.S. dominance of large, multinational firms on the international business scene. Fourth, roughly half of the globe were centrally planned economies of the communist world (not surprising they failed so miserably), and was off-limits to western international business.” (2013, p. 16)
The study of demography and statistics is essential for a nation. Statistical and demographical data provides the history of population growth. To understand the economical condition of a country, it is important to determine population growth rate and immigration pattern (Elliot). The government uses demographical information to determine the total resources needed to satisfy the demand of the total population (“Demographics Driving”). My maternal uncle, Dr. Mohammed Shahidullah, who is the Demographer of the Illinois Department of Public Health said, “The study of population can make a significant impact on the future of a nation.”