Final answer:
The most notable feature of urban cities between 1885 and 1905 was their explosive population growth driven by immigration, industrialization, and the advent of key technologies like skyscrapers and improved intra-city transportation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Most Notable Feature of Urban Cities Between 1885-1905
The period between 1885 and 1905 in American cities was characterized by rapid urban growth and significant technological and industrial developments. The most notable feature of this urban transformation was the explosive population growth due to immigration, industrialization, and urbanization. This era saw cities like New York City and Chicago experience a massive increase in population, with the construction of skyscrapers, improved intra-city transportation systems, advancements in communication, and the introduction of electric lighting. These innovations facilitated the growth of cities, allowed them to accommodate more people, and supported the burgeoning industries that required large workforces.
Factories, previously reliant on waterpower and thus located near rivers and streams, began to utilize steam power, enabling them to be situated closer to these growing population centers. Furthermore, the development of commercial electricity by the end of the century allowed even more industries to move away from natural water sources and closer to the urban workforce. As a result, more people migrated to cities for employment opportunities, despite the challenges of living in crowded tenements with limited fresh water and proper sanitation, revealing strong class and social inequalities.
This urban boom also originated from advancements in technology and infrastructure, such as the ability to build taller buildings like skyscrapers due to the invention of the elevator and stronger building materials. Additionally, elevated railroads and electric streetcars made intra-city travel more accessible, thus defining these decades as a pivotal moment for urban development in America.