Final answer:
The middle class gained access to previously exclusive attractions due to higher education, better jobs, affordable goods from mass production, and cultural acceptance of leisure for all.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reasons the middle class could enjoy attractions previously exclusive to the rich include:
- Higher education and better job opportunities, which increased their income.
- Advances in technology and mass production that lowered the costs of goods and services, thus making them more affordable.
- Social and cultural changes that promoted the idea of leisure and entertainment for all, regardless of class.
The correct answer would be d. All of the above.
The Industrial Revolution, technological advancements, and education reforms expanded the economic capabilities of the middle class. This increased disposable income combined with reduced goods and services costs allowed them to partake in activities such as attending theaters, shopping in department stores, and visiting amusement parks which were previously the purview of the rich. Improvements in public health and sanitation further contributed to a higher quality of life, making these recreational activities more accessible and enjoyable.