Which city planning movement aimed to create public parks and beautify urban spaces?

The City Beautiful Movement is recognized for its emphasis on aesthetics in city planning, seeking to enhance the urban environment through the construction of grand public parks, monumental buildings, and cohesive design elements. This movement originated in the late 19th century and aimed to address the negative aspects of industrialization and urbanization by promoting beauty and harmony in city layouts. The belief was that creating attractive public spaces would improve the quality of life for residents and foster civic pride.

The emphasis on parks and the overall beautification of cities was a significant aspect of this movement, leading to the development of iconic spaces in many cities across the United States, including Chicago. By focusing on well-designed public areas, supporters of the City Beautiful Movement aimed to instill a sense of order and elegance in urban landscapes, ultimately positing that such improvements would positively influence society and elevate public morality.