Use the image of tenement buildings in New York to answer the question.

Why did tenement buildings like these become commonplace in early twentieth-century cities?

(1 point)
Responses

Urbanization driven by economic opportunities led to population growth and overcrowding in cities.
Urbanization driven by economic opportunities led to population growth and overcrowding in cities.

They were built to house agricultural workers as farm production rapidly increased to meet demand.
They were built to house agricultural workers as farm production rapidly increased to meet demand.

Labor Unions convinced businesses to build housing for their workers during contract negotiations.
Labor Unions convinced businesses to build housing for their workers during contract negotiations.

Progressive reformers convinced many local governments to improve their cities' living conditions.

Progressive reformers convinced many local governments to improve their cities' living conditions.

Urbanization driven by economic opportunities led to population growth and overcrowding in cities. Tenement buildings like these became commonplace in early twentieth-century cities because the rapid influx of people seeking employment in urban areas led to a shortage of housing. As industries expanded and cities grew, there was a need for affordable housing to accommodate the increasing population. Tenement buildings, characterized by their multi-story construction and shared living spaces, provided a solution to this housing shortage. Despite their often cramped and unsanitary conditions, these buildings became the affordable option for many people living and working in the cities. These factors combined with limited regulation and enforcement of housing standards contributed to the prevalence of tenement buildings during this time period.

Tenement buildings like the ones shown in the image became commonplace in early twentieth-century cities due to urbanization driven by economic opportunities, which led to population growth and overcrowding in cities. As more people flocked to cities in search of jobs and a better life, the existing housing infrastructure was unable to accommodate the influx. This resulted in the construction of tenement buildings, which were designed to house large numbers of people in compact and often substandard living conditions.

To understand why tenement buildings became commonplace, you can examine the historical context of early twentieth-century cities. Specifically, you can look at factors such as urbanization, population growth, and the conditions of existing housing. By analyzing sources such as books, articles, and primary documents from that time period, you can gain a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political forces that contributed to the prevalence of tenement buildings in cities like New York.