Final answer:
Europe became an urban continent primarily due to the Industrial Revolution, which moved the workforce from agrarian to industrial sectors, and the development of commerce and trade that followed. Additional factors include the postindustrial shift and historical population growth in cities, leading to modern urbanization.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Contributing to Europe's Urbanization
One key factor in Europe's history that has made it an urban continent is the Industrial Revolution. This period of mass production of goods and advancements in technology dramatically shifted human labor from farms to factories, leading to a significant rural-to-urban migration. Historical cities like Venice, Florence, and Milan emerged as major urban centers with populations exceeding 100,000 by the 13th century through various developments such as the demographic explosion and the decline of feudalism. The development of major cities continued, driven by the demand for luxury goods and the resulting increase in trade. For example, Britain saw its urban population skyrocket from 9 percent in 1800 to over 62 percent by 1900, and today it's more than 90 percent urbanized. Similarly, Europe as a whole has achieved around 75 percent urbanization.
Another significant factor was the formation of modern cities around industrial hubs. This was necessary because businesses such as banks, shops, and food markets needed to be in the vicinity of factories and port facilities for logistical reasons. Additionally, the rise of the postindustrial society shifted economies from manufacturing-based to service- and information-based, leading to patterns of gentrification in growing cities.
The agrarian revolution and the development of commerce contributed greatly to urbanization. The decline of feudalism was both a cause and an effect of urban growth, with a rise in wealth among tradesmen spurring further development of urban areas. Interestingly, these dynamics are not confined to Europe; as economies grow, more populations worldwide are moving into urban areas, a trend seen in the significant urbanization of the United States as well.