Question: when did brooklyn become part of new york city
Answer: Brooklyn was an independent incorporated city ( and previously an authorized village and town within the provisions of the New York State Constitution ) until January 1 , 1898 , when , after a long political campaign and public relations battle during the 1890s , according to the new Municipal Charter of `` Greater New York '' , Brooklyn was consolidated with the other cities , boroughs , and counties to form the modern `` City of New York , '' surrounding the Upper New York Bay with five constituent boroughs .