What happened to the population of cities in the period between the Civil War and the 1920 s? It grew because of job opportunities. It declined due to disease. It fluctuated, declining at first and then growing. It remained about the same.

The population of cities saw an explosive growth during this period, primarily fueled by job opportunities stemming from industrialization. As factories sprang up and railroads expanded, people flocked to urban areas in search of better wages and improved living conditions. By the 1920s, cities like New York, Chicago, and Detroit transformed into bustling metropolises, showcasing the stark shift from agrarian lifestyles to urban living. However, this rapid urbanization wasn't without its challenges. Cities faced significant problems such as overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, and the spread of diseases like cholera and tuberculosis. These public health crises sometimes led to temporary dips in city populations, but ultimately, the allure of work and a more vibrant lifestyle prompted continued migration, shaping the modern American city landscape we recognize today.