Final answer:
Choosing to live in the United States in 1900 would involve considering its turning point in foreign policy, rapid industrialization, massive urban migration, cultural shifts, and a significant influx of immigrants.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you had to choose between living in the United States in 1900, you'd need to consider various historical and societal factors influencing life at that time. During the 1890s, America experienced a significant turning point in its foreign policy, stepping onto the world stage with more assertiveness, which led to conflicts such as the Spanish-American War and subsequent territorial acquisitions like the Philippines.
The onset of the 20th century ushered in an era where the nation moved from agrarian roots to an industrialized economy. This shift was characterized by the massive move of populations from farms to burgeoning cities, spurring the construction of skyscrapers and changing the country's architectural landscape. Additionally, the workforce was expanding with women beginning to seek more opportunities and freedoms, which significantly reshaped social norms and expectations.
Immigration played a prominent role as well, with an influx of immigrants entering the U.S., attracted by the booming industrial sector and escaping various push factors from their home countries. Cities became melting pots of cultures but also places where the struggle between the nostalgia for small-town values and the allure of urban prosperity and modernity was evident. Considering these factors would be essential for anyone deciding to live in the United States during this transformative time.