What was the main response of the middle class to the challenges of city living?
A. Escape to the suburbs
B. Rent out tenement buildings
C. Attend vaudeville shows
A. Escape to the suburbs
The main response of the middle class to the challenges of city living was A. Escape to the suburbs. As cities became crowded and industrialized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, middle-class families sought a better quality of life outside of the city limits. They were drawn to the suburbs by the promise of cleaner air, more space, and a quieter and more peaceful environment. The availability of transportation options, such as trains and streetcars, made it easier for middle-class individuals to commute to work in the city while still enjoying the benefits of suburban living.
To determine the main response of the middle class to the challenges of city living, we can follow these steps:
1. Research: Look for primary and secondary sources such as history books, academic articles, and reputable websites that discuss the challenges of city living and the middle-class response during that period.
2. Analyze historical context: Consider the social, economic, and cultural factors of the time. Understand the challenges that middle-class individuals faced in the cities, such as overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions, and social unrest.
3. Compare options: Evaluate the given options - "Escape to the suburbs," "Rent out tenement buildings," and "Attend vaudeville shows" - against the historical context. Determine which response aligns best with the challenges faced by the middle class.
Based on historical research, the main response of the middle class to the challenges of city living was A. Escape to the suburbs. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as cities became more crowded and industrialized, many middle-class families sought a better quality of life by moving to the suburbs. This allowed them to escape the issues associated with city living, such as pollution, crime, and overcrowding. The suburbs offered larger homes, cleaner environments, and a sense of distance from the urban problems of the time.