Milwaukee is the largest city in Wisconsin state. In the mid-19th century, a large number of German, English, Irish, and Polish immigrants arrived to settle in the area. By the end of the 19th century, Germans had developed their society within Milwaukee, complete with German-language newspapers, schools, churches, singing societies, and political groups. The city became the center of metal-working industries, flour mills, heavy equipment manufacturing, and breweries. During the first half of the 20th century, Milwaukee was the hub of the socialist movement in the United States. The Great Depression disrupted progress and rapid development; over 50% of people lost their jobs, and 20% of residents needed direct relief from the government. The recovery began in the 1950s, and in the 1960s, Milwaukee had grown to become one of the largest cities in the United States. Traditional industries such as machinery, automobile, and brewing, managed to survive, but the business sector, such as health care, insurance, and banking sector, thrived.
Here below are some historical photos of Milwaukee that show street scenes, landmarks, cityscapes, and everyday life from the 20th century.
