Final answer:
Sociology developed as a response to the social changes of the 19th century, including industrialization, urbanization, and political revolutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sociology emerged as a discipline in the 19th century in Western Europe in response to the major social changes occurring at the time. Three important factors that contributed to the development of sociology were industrialization, urbanization, and political revolutions. The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in society, including increased mobility, new employment opportunities, and social and political upheaval. These changes sparked new questions about family, work, religion, politics, and the economy, leading to the emergence of sociology as a way to study and understand these societal changes.