Question

this text describes an effect of the industrial revolution of the nineteenth century on working - class americans:
the industrial revolution transformed the majority of working people from self - employed agricultural workers into wage earners working for large industrial concerns. in an agricultural society, prosperity could be easily seen to be linked to ones labor, and a good harvest or a well - managed farm could usually provide at least a bare subsistence for themselves and their family. but when economic income is primarily from wages, ones economic security can be threatened by factors outside ones control—such as recessions, layoffs, failed businesses, etc.
based on the text, what was an unintentional consequence of industrialization for many working people in the united states during the nineteenth century?
a. they lost control of their economic well - being.
b. they left agricultural jobs for manual labor work in factories.
c. they gained more economic independence by earning wages.
d. they earned a higher income through factory work than agricultural work.

Explanation:

The text states that in an agricultural society, people had self - employment and work could usually provide at least a bare subsistence. But in the industrialized society (after the Industrial Revolution), one's economic security could be threatened by external factors like recessions, layoffs, failed businesses etc. This implies that they lost control of their economic well - being.
Option B is a direct consequence (not an unintentional one) as the text describes the transformation from agricultural workers to wage earners. Option C is incorrect as the text shows economic insecurity rather than more independence. Option D is not supported by the text which focuses on economic security threats rather than income comparison.

Answer:

A. They lost control of their economic well - being.