Question

What had the greatest effect on the growth of cities and the expansion of cities to suburbs?
Responses

leadership from mayors

leadership from mayors

action by the federal government

action by the federal government

political changes

political changes

transportation innovations

Answer 1

Among the options provided, "transportation innovations" had the greatest effect on the growth of cities and the expansion of cities to suburbs. Advances in transportation, such as the development of railroads, automobiles, and highways, facilitated easier commutes and allowed people to live farther away from their workplaces. This democratization of mobility led to significant suburbanization, as people sought more space, better living conditions, and affordable housing outside urban centers. While the roles of mayors, federal government actions, and political changes were also important, transportation innovations directly influenced urban planning and the geographical spread of populations.