Question 118

The change in the number of White residents in the three cities was partly a result of migration to the suburbs that was encouraged by federal support for homeownership.

The significant decrease in the number of White residents in the cities can be attributed to the migration to the suburbs, which was greatly facilitated by federal initiatives aimed at promoting homeownership.

A) increased government support for railroads

Increased government support for railroads primarily benefited transportation and industry, and did not directly influence residential patterns in urban areas or the migration trends of White residents to the suburbs. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

B) soldiers moving overseas to fight in the Korean War

While the Korean War did impact demographics and labor availability, it was not a primary factor in the overall trend of White residents moving to suburban areas. This option inaccurately attributes a significant change in residential patterns to military service rather than economic and social factors.

C) a growing movement to raise children in multiethnic neighborhoods

Although there has been an ongoing conversation around multiethnic neighborhoods, this movement did not directly contribute to the migration patterns of White residents. Instead, many families were seeking suburban areas for perceived benefits such as better schools and safer environments, making this option incorrect.

D) shrinking white-collar employment in the financial and health-care sectors

While economic shifts may have played a role in urban decline, the option does not adequately explain the specific migration of White residents to the suburbs. The reasons for suburbanization were more closely linked to federal policies promoting homeownership rather than employment sector changes, thus rendering this option incorrect.

E) migration to the suburbs that was encouraged by federal support for homeownership

This option accurately reflects the historical context of suburbanization, where federal initiatives, such as GI Bill benefits and mortgage subsidies, facilitated the movement of White families from urban areas to suburban neighborhoods, resulting in a significant demographic shift.

Conclusion

The correct answer is E, as it encapsulates the primary reason for the change in the number of White residents in the cities, connecting federal policies with the suburban migration trend. All other options fail to address the core factors that influenced residential patterns during this period.