The principal force behind the creation of great public buildings in the late nineteenth century was
A) community service organizations.
B) ethnic political machines.
C) wealthy residents.
D) state governments.
E) the federal government.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Wealthy residents were the principal force behind the creation of great public buildings in the late nineteenth century. They often financed the construction of buildings such as libraries, museums, and theaters as a way to promote their own cultural and social objectives, as well as to enhance their cities' reputations. This trend was particularly pronounced in cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston, where affluent individuals and families played an outsized role in shaping civic life.

The Principal Force Behind the Creation of Great Public Buildings