Controversies surrounding Robert Moses?
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Robert Moses is a contentious figure in urban history, with his legacy evoking strong opinions. Some notable controversies and critiques discussed by and Kenneth T. Jackson include:
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People vs. Infrastructure: Moses was criticized for seeing the city as a traffic problem, focusing on bridges, highways, and tunnels rather than the intricacies of neighborhoods and the needs of people. This contrasted sharply with figures like Jane Jacobs, who prioritized pedestrian-friendly urban spaces and community dynamics 1.
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Cultural Prominence and Critique: Moses' prominence stems from his ambitious infrastructure projects which transformed New York City, but many New Yorkers hold a love-hate relationship with him. His projects often led to mass evictions and the destruction of established communities, such as the construction of the Cross Bronx Expressway, which displaced thousands of people 2 3.
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Legacy of Highways and Urban Sprawl: Moses built extensive highway systems that some argue contributed to urban sprawl, congestion, and the division of communities. His refusal to integrate mass transit into his highway projects is particularly criticized. Moses often justified this by stating he was not in charge of subways, although he could have potentially taken on that responsibility 3.
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Political Power and Methodology: Moses wielded unprecedented power, often bypassing traditional political channels. He would threaten mayors and governors with his resignation to get his way, as they relied on his ability to deliver large infrastructure projects efficiently, which was particularly crucial for their political careers. His ability to fund projects through creative financial mechanisms also cemented his control and influence 4.
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Historical Interpretation: The book The Power Broker by Robert Caro is often cited as a defining work on Moses, yet Jackson notes that it contains numerous errors in its detailed claims, while its broad strokes about Moses' power are generally accurate. Caro's portrayal, which emphasizes Moses' destructive impact on communities, contrasts with other historical perspectives that credit Moses with essential public works that kept New York from declining like other Rust Belt cities 1 5.
In summary, while some celebrate Moses for his monumental contributions to New York City's infrastructure, others criticize the social costs and authoritarian methods by which he achieved his vision 6 2.
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