Final answer:
The rise of cities in the Northeast between 1880 and 1900 was primarily due to industrialization and increased job opportunities, as well as improved transportation and communication networks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors that contributed most to the rise of cities in the Northeast between 1880 and 1900 were industrialization and increased job opportunities, as well as improved transportation and communication networks.
Industrialization brought about rapid changes in technology and labor practices, leading to the growth of factories and the need for a large workforce. This attracted people from rural areas to urban centers where they could find employment. Additionally, advancements in transportation, such as the development of steam engines, allowed factories to be located near urban areas, further encouraging the migration of people to cities.
Furthermore, improved communication networks, such as the telegraph, facilitated the exchange of information and coordination of economic activities, making cities more attractive and feasible for economic growth.