Intro - A Growing City

From its roots as a turn of the century industrial boomtown, Detroit grew into a thriving metropolis almost overnight.

Deindustrialization

Starting in the late 1940's, factories and jobs began moving out of the city into the suburbs. The loss of industry would be one of the key factors in Detroit's decline.

Unrest

The migration of southern blacks and whites to Detroit during the First and Second World Wars to work in the factories sparked racial conflicts, the consequences of which are still felt today.

Decay

As the population of the city has fallen from nearly 2 million people in 1960 to less than 700,000 today, large parts of the city have lost many residents, resulting in vacant homes, churches, schools, and civic buildings.

Revival

In spite of the difficulties that the city faces, Detroit's revival is well under way.