Question

The development of mass production and cheap shipping meant that ________?

1) goods became more expensive
2) goods became more scarce
3) goods became more accessible
4) goods became more luxurious

Answer 1

The development of mass production and cheap shipping led to goods becoming more accessible, with efficiency in manufacturing and reduced transportation costs allowing for formerly luxurious items to be available at affordable prices for the general public.

Step-by-step explanation:

The development of mass production and cheap shipping meant that goods became more accessible to a broader segment of the population. Advances in technology, such as the assembly line, allowed for the efficient and speedy manufacture of a wide range of products. Alongside improvements in transportation, including the invention of shipping containerization, these developments contributed to a significant reduction in the cost of moving goods.

As a result, items that were once considered luxury became available to the working and middle classes. Consumer goods such as textiles, furniture, soap, and even houses, previously crafted by skilled artisans and out of reach for many, could be produced on a larger scale and sold at prices affordable for the masses. This democratization of goods led to increased consumerism and significant societal changes, as people could own more than just the necessities.