Despite a fire in 1871 that destroyed the Central Business District , the city grew exponentially , becoming the nation 's rail center and the dominant Midwestern center for manufacturing , commerce , finance , higher education , religion , broadcasting , sports , jazz , and high culture . The city was a magnet for European immigrants — at first Germans , Irish and Scandinavians , then from the 1890s to 1914 , Jews , Czechs , Poles and Italians . They were all absorbed in the city 's powerful ward-based political machines . Many joined militant labor unions , and Chicago became notorious for its violent strikes , and high wages
fire in 1871
Great Chicago Fire
History of Chicago