Final answer:
Chicago's population growth transformed it into a hub for various industries, particularly the meat packing industry. The city's growth was also influenced by the Great Migration, which brought a significant number of African-Americans to Chicago. However, rapid urban expansion also presented challenges related to housing, transportation, and inequality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The city's population explosion was fueled by factors such as the emergence of factories powered by steam, which allowed them to be constructed near population centers. Chicago became known for its meat packing industry, which played a major role in its growth.
Furthermore, Chicago's population growth was influenced by factors such as the Great Migration, which brought hundreds of thousands of African-Americans from the South to the city. This influx of people contributed to the city's diversity and cultural development, particularly in areas such as Jazz music.
The rapid expansion of cities during this time period, including Chicago, brought about various challenges such as concerns over housing, transportation, and communication. These issues were often rooted in deep class inequalities, racial divisions, and corrupt local politics.