Final answer:
The Great Chicago Fire led to significant changes in city planning, the usage of safer building materials over wood, advancements in fire safety measures, and the development of the first skyscrapers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Several actions both during and after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, indirectly led to benefits in the long run, despite the immense devastation caused in the short term. During the fire, many residents bravely fought against the flames with buckets of water and wet blankets, but these efforts were mostly unsuccessful due to the rapid spread of the fire.
However, the real benefits came in the aftermath of the fire. The tragedy of the fire spurred city officials and citizens to rethink the city's construction materials and building codes. Instead of using wood, which was highly flammable and contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, more buildings were constructed with brick and steel. These changes led to the development of the first skyscrapers. Furthermore, the fire led to improvements in the city's fire department, better regulation of safety standards, and the development of effective fire insurance.
In summary, the disaster had the unexpected benefit of leading the city to take more precautions, rethink its building materials and improve its fire safety measures, which brought about a safer and more advanced city.
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