Question

1. directions: answer question 13.

urban and rural population in the united states, 1800 – 1980
chart: x - axis (1800, 1820, 1840, 1860, 1880, 1900, 1920, 1940, 1960, 1980); y - axis (millions of people: 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200); two lines: urban (dashed), rural (solid); key: urban population (dashed), rural population (solid)

1. what is a reason for the trend shown in the graph? explain your answer with historical evidence.

Explanation:

The graph shows urban population (dashed line) rising rapidly and rural population (solid line) stabilizing or growing slowly from 1800 - 1980 in the US. A key reason is industrialization and urbanization. During the Industrial Revolution (late 19th - early 20th century) and post - WWII economic growth, factories in cities created jobs (e.g., in manufacturing, later services). People moved from rural areas (where jobs were in agriculture) to cities for work, better opportunities. For example, the growth of industries like steel, auto in cities like Detroit, Chicago drew rural workers. Also, technological advances in agriculture (mechanization) reduced the need for rural labor, pushing people to cities. Historical evidence: The Second Industrial Revolution (1870 - 1914) saw massive urban growth as industries expanded, and the post - 1940s suburban and urban core growth with service sector expansion.

Answer:

A major reason for the trend (urban population growth, rural population stagnation) is industrialization and urbanization. During the Industrial Revolution (and subsequent industrial growth), cities became centers of manufacturing and later service - based economies. Factories in urban areas (e.g., steel in Pittsburgh, auto in Detroit) created job opportunities that attracted people from rural areas, where agricultural mechanization (e.g., tractors, combine harvesters) reduced the need for labor. For example, between 1870 - 1914 (Second Industrial Revolution), urban populations surged as industries like textiles, steel, and machinery expanded, pulling rural residents seeking employment. Post - WWII, service - sector growth in cities (e.g., finance, healthcare) continued this trend, while rural areas saw less job growth due to efficient, mechanized agriculture.