Question

unit 3a population and culture dca review
read the passage: historically, one of the most notable population shifts in the united states has been the move from rural to urban areas. for example, in 1800, a vast 94% of the u.s. population lived in rural areas. by 1890, this percentage had decreased to 60%, and by 1990, only 25% remained in rural settings. this trend highlights significant changes in how and where people have chosen to live over time.
stephan j. goetz, migration and local labor markets, 1999

1. which of the following best explains why many people moved from rural to urban areas in the united states between 1800 and 1990?

a. cities offered more jobs, and new technologies made farming easier with fewer workers.
b. people wanted to live closer to nature and have larger farms.
c. rural areas had more schools and hospitals than cities.
d. the government forced people to move into the cities.

1. how did the shift from rural to urban living most likely change life in the united states over time?

a. more people began working on farms and living with extended families.
b. communities became more focused on farming and local trade.
c. cities grew larger, and peoples jobs and lifestyles became more connected to industry and business.
d. people returned to rural areas to escape the crowded cities.

Explanation:

For question 1:

• Option A: In the 1800 - 1990 period, industrialization in cities created job opportunities. Technological advancements in farming (e.g., mechanization) reduced the need for a large rural labor force, which is a valid reason for rural - to - urban migration.
• Option B: Moving to cities is the opposite of living closer to nature. This option is incorrect.
• Option C: Cities, not rural areas, typically had more schools and hospitals during this era. This option is incorrect.
• Option D: There was no widespread government - forced movement. This option is incorrect.

For question 2:

• Option A: The trend was moving away from rural farming - based living. This option is incorrect.
• Option B: The shift was towards urban, not more rural - focused (farming and local trade) communities. This option is incorrect.
• Option C: As people moved to cities, urban areas grew. Jobs (e.g., in factories, offices) and lifestyles (e.g., access to urban amenities) became more industry and business - oriented. This option is correct.
• Option D: The question is about the effect of the rural - to - urban shift, not a reverse movement. This option is incorrect.

Answer:

1. A. Cities offered more jobs, and new technologies made farming easier with fewer workers.
2. C. Cities grew larger, and people’s jobs and lifestyles became more connected to industry and business.