As a result of the Industrial Revolution, British and French financiers built up enormous reserves of capital. Seeking to earn high rates of return on their investments, they helped to finance all of the following except: (choose one)
a.
The Suez Canal in Egypt, which shortened the shipping routes from Europe to Asia
b.
Infrastructural projects in the New World, including railroads in Argentina and North America
c.
Technological research in Germany, including the improvement of German military technology
d.
The rapid industrialization of Russia, including railroads and enormous new steel plants
How did the building of mass transit in the late 19th Century (trams, subways, etc.) affect the demographics of major European cities? (Choose one)
a.
Wealthy Europeans moved away from the center of town and settled in new suburbs; poor Europeans remained trapped downtown
b.
Poor Europeans moved to the periphery; wealthy Europeans built fancy apartments and townhouses in the center
c.
Cities depopulated entirely, since there were no more jobs in urban areas
What are your answers?
I am unsure
To determine the correct answer for the first question, we need to understand the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the investments made by British and French financiers. During the Industrial Revolution, there was a significant increase in industrialization and economic growth. This resulted in a surplus of capital for British and French financiers who were looking to invest their money to earn high returns.
To find the correct answer, we need to consider which option does not align with the objective of earning high rates of return on investments. Let's analyze each option:
a. The Suez Canal in Egypt: The Suez Canal was a major infrastructure project that provided a more direct shipping route from Europe to Asia. This project would have provided a lucrative investment opportunity, as it improved trade and reduced transportation costs. Thus, it is likely that British and French financiers would have financed the construction of the Suez Canal.
b. Infrastructural projects in the New World: Building railroads in Argentina and North America would have opened up new markets and facilitated trade, which would have been attractive to financiers seeking high returns. Therefore, it is probable that financiers would have financed these infrastructure projects.
c. Technological research in Germany: Germany emerged as a major competitor in industrialization and military technology during the late 19th century. Investing in technological research in Germany, especially military technology, would have presented an opportunity for high returns. Hence, it is reasonable to assume that British and French financiers would have supported such research.
d. The rapid industrialization of Russia: The industrialization of Russia, including the construction of railroads and steel plants, would have created investment opportunities and potential returns. Therefore, it is likely that British and French financiers would have played a role in financing Russia's industrialization.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer would be c. British and French financiers would have also contributed to the technological research in Germany, including the improvement of German military technology.
For the second question, we need to understand the impact of the mass transit systems, such as trams and subways, on the demographics of major European cities in the late 19th century.
a. Wealthy Europeans moving away from the center of town and settling in new suburbs, while poor Europeans remained trapped downtown: The introduction of mass transit systems provided convenient transportation options, which allowed wealthy individuals to move away from crowded city centers. The suburbs became attractive residential areas, while downtown areas remained populated by those who couldn't afford to relocate. Hence, this option is plausible.
b. Poor Europeans moving to the periphery, while wealthy Europeans built fancy apartments and townhouses in the center: This option reflects the same dynamics described in option a, with poor individuals being pushed to the outskirts of European cities while the wealthy remained in the center. Therefore, this option is also plausible.
c. Cities depopulating entirely, since there were no more jobs in urban areas: This option contradicts the historical reality. The industrialization and economic growth of the period resulted in increased job opportunities in urban areas, attracting a larger population. Therefore, this option can be excluded as it does not accurately reflect the effect of mass transit on the demographics of major European cities.
Based on this analysis, both options a and b are plausible answers for the second question.