In 1840, the population of Chicago was only 4,470. By the 1900, the city's population was 1,698,575. Which factor best explains the population change?
A.) African Americans escaping poverty and discrimination in the south
B.) The expansion of Chicago's boundaries into surrounding countries
C.) Chicago's location as a railroad hub between the east and the west
D.) Chicago's improvements in sanitation and health care
Chicago's location as a railroad hub between the east and the west
Thank you
It is the railrodes
To determine the factor that best explains the population change in Chicago between 1840 and 1900, we need to evaluate the options provided and understand their potential impact.
A.) African Americans escaping poverty and discrimination in the south: While the Great Migration of African Americans to northern cities like Chicago did contribute to population growth, it alone does not explain the significant increase from 4,470 to 1,698,575. Therefore, this option is unlikely to be the best explanation.
B.) The expansion of Chicago's boundaries into surrounding counties: While the expansion of city boundaries can lead to population growth, it is unlikely to account for such a drastic increase since the growth rate would need to be extraordinarily high. Therefore, this option is also unlikely to be the best explanation.
C.) Chicago's location as a railroad hub between the east and the west: This option is highly likely to be the best explanation for the population change. Chicago's central location made it a crucial transportation and trade hub, strengthening its economy and attracting people from all over the country. The growth of railroads allowed for easier transportation of goods and people, facilitating the city's population expansion.
D.) Chicago's improvements in sanitation and health care: While improvements in sanitation and healthcare are essential for population growth, they alone do not account for the exponential increase seen in Chicago's population. Therefore, this option is less likely to be the best explanation.
In conclusion, option C, Chicago's location as a railroad hub between the east and the west, is the factor that best explains the significant population change observed in Chicago between 1840 and 1900.