The Changing American Economy
The population of urban cities in the United States grew as a result of industrialization. In this activity, you will graph and analyze population data from 1790 until 2000 for the city of New York. Analyzing and graphing are important skills that are used to view trends in data. In this assignment, complete each part by following the given instructions.
This activity is available below or in a printable version.
Part I: Complete the Table
- To calculate the change in population from decade to decade, you will need to subtract the previous decade’s total population from the current decade’s total population. The example shows the total population change from 1790 to 1800.
76 – 45 = 31
- Calculate the percent of population change. In order to complete this calculation, you will need to divide the change in population from the total population. Then, multiply the value times 100%. The example shows the percent of population change from 1790 to 1800.
× 100% = 40.7 % (the answer is rounded up to 41%)
Population of New York City from 1790 until 2000 | |||
Year | Total Population (thousands) |
Change in Population (thousands) |
Percent of Population Change (%) |
1790 | 45 | ||
1800 | 76 | 31 | 41 |
1810 | 114 | ||
1820 | 145 | ||
1830 | 235 | ||
1840 | 379 | ||
1850 | 682 | ||
1860 | 1150 | ||
1870 | 1444 | ||
1880 | 1873 | ||
1890 | 2455 | ||
1900 | 3371 | ||
1910 | 4681 | ||
1920 | 5503 | ||
1930 | 6771 | ||
1940 | 7280 | ||
1950 | 7700 | ||
1960 | 7560 | ||
1970 | 7600 | ||
1980 | 6719 | ||
1990 | 6945 | ||
2000 | 7565 |
Part 2: Graphing
Graph the percent of population change for each decade in a line graph. Make sure to give the graph a proper title and label each axis. Scale the X-axis from decades 1790 through 2000. Scale the Y-axis from -10% to 50%. Graph paper is available in the printable version, or you can use any type of graphing software to complete your graph.
Part 3: Analysis Questions
Answer the following questions using complete sentences. Make sure to completely answer the question in the space provided.
- Describe the overall trend in population change for New York City from 1790 until 2000.
- Which decade had the greatest overall population change? What are some reasons the change was high during this decade?
- Which year had the lowest overall population change? What are some reasons the change was so low during this decade?
Once you have completed your table, graph, and analysis questions, please submit your completed assignment to the dropbox.