What can you conclude about steel consumption and population size in 1850?

(1 point)
Responses

Steel consumption was around 100 million and the population was beginning to grow.
Steel consumption was around 100 million and the population was beginning to grow.

The population was around 100 billion and steel consumption began.
The population was around 100 billion and steel consumption began.

Steel consumption was around 100 billion and the population was beginning to grow.
Steel consumption was around 100 billion and the population was beginning to grow.

The population was around 100 million and steel consumption began.

The correct answer is: Steel consumption was around 100 million and the population was beginning to grow.

Based on the information provided, we can conclude that the population size in 1850 was around 100 million and steel consumption was beginning to grow.

To answer this question, we need to analyze the given options and consider the context of 1850.

Option (1) states that steel consumption was around 100 million and the population was beginning to grow. However, it is important to note that the use of steel in significant quantities did not begin until later in the 19th century. Therefore, it is unlikely that steel consumption reached 100 million in 1850.

Option (2) suggests that the population was around 100 billion and steel consumption began. Given that the current global population is slightly above 7 billion, it is highly unlikely that the population in 1850 was 100 billion.

Option (3) states that steel consumption was around 100 billion and the population was beginning to grow. Similarly, this option does not align with the historical context of 1850. Steel consumption was not at such high levels during that time period.

Option (4) states that the population was around 100 million and steel consumption began. This option seems to be the most plausible and accurate choice. In 1850, the world population was around 1.2 billion, so a population of around 100 million is reasonable. Additionally, steel consumption was indeed starting to increase during this time due to advancements in steel production and industrialization.

Therefore, based on the information provided, we can conclude that in 1850, the population was around 100 million and steel consumption was beginning to grow.