Final answer:
The conditions of major cities in the mid-1800s were characterized by a lack of basic sanitation and public services, leading to poor living conditions, disease, pollution, and events like The Great Stink in London (option B).
Step-by-step explanation:
The conditions of major cities in the mid-1800s are best described by option (B) lacking basic sanitation and public services. Cities experienced rapid population growth due to industrialization and urbanization, but they were unprepared for the influx of residents. The resulting poor urban planning led to inadequate housing, poor sanitation, rampant diseases, and significant pollution. Streets were often filled with waste, and the lack of proper sewage systems resulted in the spread of diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, and typhoid.
An example of the severity of these conditions is the event known as The Great Stink in London, where the stench from the Thames River became overwhelming due to the accumulated filth.
Hence, the answer is option B.