Which statement best describes the quality of life in the West during the early settlement period?

The statement that life in the West during the early settlement period was characterized as unsanitary and cramped accurately reflects the harsh realities faced by settlers of that time. Early settlers encountered significant challenges including limited access to clean water, inadequate waste disposal systems, and crowded living conditions, especially in emerging towns and mining camps. This often led to the spread of diseases and a lack of proper healthcare, which contributed to a poor quality of life for many.

Life was not characterized by prosperity or organization, as many areas lacked the infrastructure and resources required for a well-functioning society. Although some frontier towns did develop cultural elements, they were generally not vibrant in the way larger, established urban areas had been. The struggles of daily survival often overshadowed any sense of cultural richness that may have existed. Thus, C reflects the reality of life for many settlers during this formative period in American history.