How many cities had a population of over 1 millions people in 1900?
A. 6
B. 100
C. 2
D. 20
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. 6.
In 1900, only a small number of cities around the world had populations exceeding one million people. During this period, global urbanization was just beginning to accelerate, particularly in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. However, the majority of cities were still much smaller in size.
By the turn of the 20th century, the six cities that had populations of over one million were:
- New York City (USA): As the largest city in the world at the time, New York had a population of approximately 3.4 million people in 1900, driven by immigration and rapid industrialization.
- London (United Kingdom): London’s population was around 6.5 million, making it the most populous city in the world at the time, reflecting its status as the heart of the British Empire and a major global port.
- Paris (France): The population of Paris was just over 2.7 million in 1900. Paris was a cultural and political center in Europe, undergoing significant urban development during this period.
- Berlin (Germany): Berlin had a population of about 1.9 million people. It was the capital of Germany and a rapidly growing industrial city.
- Chicago (USA): Chicago’s population surpassed 1 million in 1900, reaching around 1.7 million. The city’s growth was fueled by its role as a major transportation hub and industrial center.
- Tokyo (Japan): Tokyo’s population had exceeded 1 million by the 1900s, reflecting Japan’s rapid industrialization and urbanization during the Meiji era.
The cities of New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo were some of the few urban centers at the time where significant populations had developed as a result of industrialization, migration, and economic growth.
By comparison, in the mid-20th century, the number of cities with populations over one million would increase dramatically due to ongoing urbanization and globalization.