What effect did urbanization have during the Industrial Revolution?

Urbanization during the Industrial Revolution significantly increased the population in urban areas, reshaping societal structures and economic landscapes. As industries developed, factories sprang up in cities, attracting workers seeking employment. This migration from rural areas to urban centers was driven by the promise of jobs and better living standards associated with industrial work.

Consequently, cities expanded rapidly, leading to both positive and negative consequences. While urbanization provided economic opportunities, it also resulted in challenges such as overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and public health issues. The influx of people into cities was a defining characteristic of the Industrial Revolution, fundamentally altering demographic trends and the nature of labor in society.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the reality of urbanization during this period, as rural populations generally decreased in favor of city living, the number of rural communities did not grow due to the movement towards urbanization, and the factory system, rather than declining, became a crucial component of the economy.