Detroit - Overseas case study Flashcards
What are some of Detroits Endogenous factors
It is located in Michigan USA (42N, 83W)
It is flat with a deciduous forest
Located along Detroit River which connects to Lake Erie and Hutton (greatest lakes in North America)
Part of Americas Steel belt
When was Detroit discovered
Found in 1701 by French explorers
What are some of Detroits Exogenous factors
Migration
Economic change
Technological change
What was the main driver for economic change in Detroit
Ford General Motors
Explain the time span of Ford General Motors
In 1903, they set up in Detroit, making the economy boom thanks to its innovative assembly line
By 1950, there was over 296,000 manufacturing jobs and the population rose to near 2 million, making it the 4th largest US city
In 1970, the company declined due to de-industrialisation and foreign competition.
In 2009, they declared bankruptcy. The city now has average unemployment of 14% with a population of 700,000
What is the main driver of social change in Detroit
Migration
Government policies
Economic change
Explain the story of migration in Detroit
African Americans moved to Detroit to get jobs for Ford. When Ford closed, they were left without jobs, so crime rose. It currently has the highest crime rate of the USA
WHITE FLIGHT occurred to the suburbs. Detroit’s white population was 80% and is now 13% and 1/3 of the buildings are currently vacant
The government were accused of supporting this, causing race riots. In 1984, the tradition of devils night began when youth set fire to houses across the city
What is a positive from Detroits migration
Motown records opened in 1959 and produced popular stars such as the Jackson 5
How can we get an idea for the lived experience of Detroit
Music - Mowtown
Fims - 8 mile
How does 8 mile represent Detroit
vacant houses, graffiti, litter, bad infrastructure, dead and dangerous
In short how has Detroit changed
Detroit underwent an economic massive boom and was one of the US’s largest and best cities to live in. Those who live there have seen it turn into a deprived, segregated, lawless city with little opportunity
