Question

between 1877 and 1900, why did the percentage of people living in u.s. agricultural regions decline with the growth of industrialization?
a the federal government stopped providing subsidies to u.s. agricultural producers.
b the construction of interstate highways enabled people to commute to agricultural areas.
c the creation of more efficient agricultural technology reduced the need for labor on farms.
d the u.s. government enacted tariffs to encourage people to purchase imported agricultural products.

Explanation:

• Option A: Federal subsidies to agriculture didn't stop in this period; in fact, policies often supported agriculture, so this is incorrect.
• Option B: Interstate highways were built much later (mid - 20th century), not between 1877 - 1900, so this is wrong.
• Option C: During industrialization, new agricultural technologies (like mechanized equipment) increased efficiency, reducing the need for farm labor. So people moved to industrial areas, leading to a decline in the percentage of people in agricultural regions. This makes sense.
• Option D: Tariffs during this time were more to protect domestic industries (including agriculture) and would discourage importing agricultural products, not encourage. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. The creation of more efficient agricultural technology reduced the need for labor on farms.