Buffalo’s Beginnings - Part 2 of 3: From Boom to Bust

Erik explores one of the more difficult periods in Buffalo’s history—the mid-20th century, when the city faced significant challenges. After a period of booming industrial success, Buffalo began to struggle with the decline of the steel industry, a shrinking population, and economic hardship.

Buffalo was hit hard by global competition and technological changes, and many factories closed, leaving thousands without jobs. The shipping industry also faced a downturn, and suburbanization led to a hollowing out of the downtown core. But through it all, the spirit of Buffalo remained strong.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How the decline of the steel industry impacted Buffalo’s economy
• The role of global competition and technological advances in Buffalo’s struggles
• How the St. Lawrence Seaway contributed to a decline in shipping
• The effects of suburbanization on Buffalo’s population and downtown area
• How Buffalo’s resilience and community spirit held the city together through tough times

While this was a challenging period for Buffalo, it laid the foundation for the city’s eventual resurgence, which we’ll explore in the next episode.

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About the Host
Erik Arneth is a proud Buffalonian with a passion for promoting small local businesses through the sharing of their origin stories. He's also a real estate salesperson in the City of Good Neighbors: Buffalo, New York.

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