Final answer:
The specific event that compelled Randolph Caldecott to pursue drawing as a career is not provided in the materials, but the celebratory artistic era evident through the recognition of peers and public performances can be inferred as influential.
Step-by-step explanation:
The event that made Randolph Caldecott want to draw for a living is not explicitly detailed in the provided references. However, reading through the biographical sketches of other artists could suggest that, like many artists of the time, Caldecott may have been inspired by a combination of personal passion for art and the cultural climate that celebrated artistic talents. Artists like Eugène Delacroix recognizing John Constable's work at the Paris Salon, or a lightning artist captivating an audience with swift sketches, demonstrate the vibrant artistic environment that may have influenced Caldecott. Additionally, the experiences of artists such as Morris, who pursued art based on his political views and reformed bookmaking, or Benton, who developed a distinguished style post-World War I, show that individual drive and societal factors play significant roles in an artist's decision to pursue art professionally