Reinvisioning Milwaukee: Analysis of Milwaukee Journal Coverage and City Club of Milwaukee Records Regarding Redevelopment, 1945-1970

Abstract

The city of Milwaukee saw drastic structural changes following the Second World War. Milwaukee Journal editorials and articles from the postwar period up to 1970 provide insights and criticisms about modernization efforts under proposal in Milwaukee. In particular the newspaper gave voice to specific concerns about the city's structural integrity and identity. As a media outlet, these articles influenced their readership and reflected a more widespread fever for redevelopment. The ultimate agenda of this paper was to analyze the finer details within the articles, including the underlying arguments and ideologies affecting city development. To better understand the processes of city planning and urban renewal in Milwaukee, City Club of Milwaukee records were also accessed; particularly those concerning municipal planning and the Civic Federation. Documents from the City Club helped expand the dialogue of city development in Milwaukee between 1945 and 1970, by providing a supplementary perspective.