Which of the following best describes the living conditions in cities during the Industrial Revolution?

The living conditions in cities during the Industrial Revolution are best described as poor, overcrowded, and unsanitary. This period saw rapid urbanization as people moved from rural areas to cities in search of work in factories. The influx of large populations quickly overwhelmed urban infrastructure. Housing was often inadequate, with many families crammed into small, poorly built tenements. These living spaces lacked basic amenities, such as proper sanitation, heating, and ventilation. Consequently, cities became breeding grounds for disease, with outbreaks of cholera and typhus being common due to the unsanitary conditions.

The other descriptions do not accurately reflect the reality of urban life during this time. Comfortable conditions with ample green spaces were often found in rural areas or among the wealthier classes, but they were not representative of the majority of urban dwellers. Expansive and well-organized environments might describe some planned cities or affluent areas, but most rapidly industrializing cities suffered from chaos and lack of planning. Similarly, clean, safe, and affluent descriptions are not representative of the general population's experiences, as industrial workers faced many hardships in their daily lives.