This video discusses the history of Brooklyn, New York. At a population of 2.7 million, if Brooklyn were its own independent city, it would be the 4th most populous in the US after New York, LA, and Chicago. By various measures, Brooklyn is one of the most diverse places in the entire world. The borough is home to numerous ethnic enclaves, with large communities from Russian, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Latino, Chinese, and Jewish diasporas, among others. Like most cities, Brooklyn’s history is complex, filled with intertwining stories of prosperity, hardship, and renewal. As Brooklyn has become a global hub for culture, music, cuisine, and nightlife, numerous neighborhoods in the borough have undergone rapid gentrification. This video also briefly discusses the public policy of New York City’s urban renewal projects, with a focus on Brooklyn’s waterfront. I tried to cover as much as I could in a 15-minute video, but as with any short documentary, there are significant omissions.
Timestamps
00:00 - What is Brooklyn?
01:18 - Founding and European colonization
02:30 - Rapid Expansion, Growth, Prospect Park, Merger with NYC
05:56 - Early 20th Century
08:20 - Loss of Industry and Urban Decline
10:08 - Revitalization, Brooklyn Waterfront, Private-Public Partnerships
13:40 - 21st Century transformation
Matt Coneybeare
Editor in Chief
Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.
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