What effect did the Industrial Revolution have on urbanization?

The Industrial Revolution significantly accelerated urbanization by driving people from rural areas into cities. As factories and industrial centers emerged, they created new job opportunities that attracted individuals seeking employment and a better quality of life. This shift was particularly pronounced in the 18th and 19th centuries when advancements in technology and transportation facilitated industrial growth.

With improved production techniques and the rise of mass production, cities became the focal points of economic activity, leading to a population influx. People moved to urban centers seeking better wages and living standards, which resulted in increased urban populations. Thus, the growth of cities was directly tied to the industrial expansion, highlighting how the Industrial Revolution transformed societal structures and patterns of living.

The other options do not accurately reflect the trends that occurred during this period. For instance, there was not a decrease in migration to cities or an increase in rural population; rather, the movement was overwhelmingly towards urban areas as economies shifted from agrarian to industrial. Similarly, city populations did not stabilize; they grew rapidly as more individuals settled in urban locations for work and opportunities.