Question

Many more middle-class readers began buying "The New York Times" in the late 1800s because _________.

A) they could afford it
B) it imparted a certain status
C) it addressed middle-class concerns
D) both A and B

Answer 1

Middle-class readers began buying 'The New York Times' because they could afford it and it conferred status, supported by wider access to education and luxury items as well as rising literacy rates.

Step-by-step explanation:

Many more middle-class readers began buying "The New York Times" in the late 1800s because they could afford it and it imparted a certain status. During this time, technological advancements like the linotype machine made the production of newspapers cheaper, while the society saw mass production and credit systems that enabled the middle class to afford luxury items previously only available to the wealthier upper class. Additionally, literacy rates and education levels were on the rise, with better public education and the advent of land-grant colleges, making the middle class better educated and more professional. The increasing desire to appear well-cultured and keeping up with public discourse further elevated the status of those who read reputable newspapers.