Description:
(49th Secretary of State of New York (1927 - 1929))
Robert Moses was an American public official who was popularly referred to as the ‘Master Builder’ by the media and public for his revolutionary construction work in the New York metropolitan area. Moses was never elected to any public office but worked in public service for the state after joining the New York City’s bureau of municipal research. Moses studied political science at Yale, Oxford, and Columbia Universities. Despite not have any degrees in engineering, architecture, or planning, Moses revolutionized the urban planning in the city of New York and inspired many other states to plan in a similar fashion. As the head of the state park commissions of New York and Long Island, Moses changed the face of New York with his urban planning. He was the main person behind the proposed parkway system in New York. He planned a total of 12 bridges, numerous parks across the state, and emphasized on building highways rather than just focusing on public transport. Robert Moses built a network of 35 highways apart from planning the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and the Shea Stadium. He earned a great deal of respect from the media and the public for his reformation of the urban society but failed to win the election for the post of governor of New York in 1934, the only time he contested for a public post. Despite his revolutionary works, Moses was also criticized by many for his methods and priorities. He was criticized for allegedly neglecting and somewhat restricting the colored population of the states as well as the poor and the lower-middle class.
Birthday
December 18, 1888 (Sagittarius)
Born In
United States
City
New Haven, Connecticut
Died on
July 29, 1981
Spouse/Ex-
Mary Alicia Grady (m. 1966), Mary Sims (m. 1915)
Parents
Emanuel Moses
Bella Moses
Children
Barbara, Jane
Relatives
Paul Moses
What were Robert Moses' major accomplishments?
Robert Moses is best known for his extensive work as a master planner and builder in New York City, responsible for numerous public works projects such as parks, highways, bridges, and housing developments.
What impact did Robert Moses have on urban development in New York City?
Robert Moses played a significant role in shaping the urban landscape of New York City, with his projects greatly influencing the city's infrastructure, transportation systems, and public spaces.
How did Robert Moses acquire his power and influence in New York City?
Robert Moses consolidated power through various roles in city and state government, allowing him to wield significant influence over urban planning and development decisions in New York City for several decades.
What criticism has been directed towards Robert Moses and his projects?
Robert Moses has faced criticism for his top-down approach to planning, which often disregarded the input of local communities and resulted in the displacement of residents and destruction of neighborhoods.
What is the legacy of Robert Moses in New York City today?
Robert Moses' legacy remains complex, with some viewing him as a visionary who modernized the city, while others criticize his projects for their negative impact on communities and the environment.