Question

19
statistics on urbanization (1880 - 1900)
year u.s. urban population major city immigrants (%)
1880 14 million 28%
1890 23 million 36%
1900 30 million 41%
how did the rapid growth shown in the table affect american society?
a it reduced demand for labor.
b it improved living conditions for most workers.
c it led to overcrowding and sanitation challenges.
d it caused a decline in industrial production.

Explanation:

• Option A: With a growing urban population (more people available for work), the demand for labor would likely increase, not reduce.
• Option B: Rapid urban - growth during this era (late 19th century) was often associated with poor living conditions in tenements, not improved ones for most workers.
• Option C: A large influx of people (urban population growth and immigration) into cities would lead to overcrowding (lack of sufficient housing) and sanitation challenges (inadequate waste disposal systems for a large population).
• Option D: Urban growth and immigration provided a labor force for industries, which would more likely support industrial production rather than cause a decline.

Answer:

C. It led to overcrowding and sanitation challenges.