The period during which an old civilized country transitions from small businesses to large industry, especially when this transition is accelerated by such favorable conditions, is also a period of "housing scarcity". On the one hand, masses of rural workers are abruptly pulled into the large cities, which are developing into industrial centers.

On the other hand, the urban layout of these old cities no longer meets the conditions of the new large industry nor the corresponding transportation needs. They widen the streets and open new ones. Railways run through the cities, demolishing workers' housing en masse.

This results in a sharp scarcity of housing for workers, as well as for small merchants and small professionals who depend on the working-class clientele. This lack of housing is unknown in cities that were originally created as industrial centers, such as Manchester, Linz, Bradford, and Barmen Elberfeld.

In contrast, in London, Paris, Berlin, and Vienna, a severe form of this issue arose and usually continues as a chronic condition.

[Excerpt from the text of the preface]