Final answer:
The sinking of the Titanic is the event that offers an extreme example of how social class affects life chances, as the division of passenger classes resulted in unequal access to lifeboats and other survival resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical tragedy that offers an extreme example of the impact of social class on life chances is C. the sinking of the Titanic. This event dramatically illustrated how social class could determine one's fate during a disaster. Passengers on the Titanic were divided into different classes, which affected their access to lifeboats when the ship sank. While many first-class passengers were saved, a greater proportion of third-class passengers perished due to various factors, including less access to lifeboats and barriers within the ship that made it more difficult for them to reach the deck. Therefore, the Titanic's sinking clearly shows how social class had a significant impact on life chances.