Remains
of Detroit's once extensive interurban street rail system
occasionally appear through decaying streets. They
are a reminder of the brick street days of the first half
of the 20th Century when a celebrated mass transit system
moved Detroiters throughout the rapidly growing city.
The destruction of a mass
transit system of interlinked street railway cars was effected
in the 1950's when the remaining cars were sold to Mexico City.
Why did the city need them when nearly everybody could drive
cars to their increasingly rural homes?
The consequent dispersal of
the population of Detroit in the years following World War II
triggered a chain of downward spiraling dominoes. Less
people of less means remained. Less taxes collected resulted
in less services and a diminished quality of life and security.
Neighborhood libraries closed.
Fire stations and schools were consolidated, then closed. Small
businesses failed and none took their place. Roads and walkways
fell into disrepair.
More people moved away and
a new line of dominoes begin to tumble.
Why Do You Think Happened?
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