Final answer:
The historical period most likely represented by high levels of military enlistment, the active recruitment of women into the defense industry, and high levels of industrial production is World War II. Option B is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which historical period is represented by the given characteristics?
The characteristics listed, such as high levels of military enlistment, active recruitment of women into the defense industry, and high levels of industrial production, are indicative of a nation fully mobilized for war. These elements are especially pertinent to the United States during World War II (WWII).
During WWII, the country saw a surge in military enlistment which was a mixture of voluntary enlistment and the draft. Simultaneously, there was a significant push to recruit women into the defense industry, leading to the iconography of 'Rosie the Riveter', representing women in the workforce contributing to the war effort. This period was also marked by a massive increase in industrial production to support the war.
The Roaring Twenties were a time of economic prosperity and cultural change but not characterized by the same degree of military and industrial mobilization. The Great Depression saw an economic downturn and high unemployment, not high industrial production. The Spanish-American War was earlier, at the end of the 19th century, and did not have the scale of female participation in the workforce or the levels of industrial production seen in WWII.
Therefore, the correct option that represents this period is b) World War II.