Final answer:
The population explosion in east central Indiana in the 1880s was caused by industrialization, technological advancements in farming, and economic motivations for westward expansion. Improved agricultural efficiency led to a rural-to-urban shift as fewer rural workers were needed and urban industrial jobs became more available.
Step-by-step explanation:
The population explosion in the east central part of Indiana in the 1880s can be attributed to a combination of factors associated with the period of rapid industrialization and urbanization. The Industrial Revolution played a crucial role, with advances in farm equipment and technology leading to improved efficiency in agriculture. This resulted in larger farms, decreased need for rural labor, and consequently, a significant rural-to-urban shift in the population.
Similarly, the increasing attractiveness of the west for agricultural expansion, combined with the degradation of soil fertility in the east, pushed populations towards newer urban areas. Economic drivers such as the desire of Eastern merchants for control of west coast ports to trade with Asia, and the broader vision of manifest destiny, further fueled this migration.
Moreover, specific to Indiana, the growth of industrial jobs in urban areas would have attracted people seeking employment, contributing to the population growth in cities. Thus, technological progress, economic motivation, and the potential of better living standards drove the population surge in urban areas during this time.