Why did a stricter sense of time develop among Americans during the rise of the new market economy?

• A. Because traditional barter systems were replaced by communal sharing of resources.
• B. Because agricultural routines became less important and people had more leisure time.
• C. Because government regulations mandated strict timekeeping for all citizens.
• D. Because industrialization and market competition required greater punctuality and efficiency in work schedules.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the historical context: During the rise of the new market economy, the United States experienced significant changes due to industrialization and the growth of markets.
2. Recognize the role of industrialization: Factories and businesses required workers to adhere to strict schedules to maximize productivity and coordinate complex production processes.
3. Analyze how market competition influenced behavior: As businesses competed, efficiency and punctuality became crucial to success, encouraging a stricter sense of time among workers and consumers.
4. Contrast with previous systems: Traditional barter and communal sharing systems were more flexible with time, but the new economic environment demanded precise time management.
5. Conclude that the stricter sense of time developed primarily because industrialization and market competition necessitated greater punctuality and efficiency in work schedules.