Fourteen years ago a city of 400,000 people on this side of the river heard of a projected suspension bridge with incredulity. The span was so long, the height so great, and the enterprise likely to be so costly, that few thought of it as something begun in earnest. The irresistible demands of commerce enforced these hard conditions.

—Opening Ceremonies of the
New York and Brooklyn Bridge,
Seth Low

How did “the irresistible demands of commerce” influence the building of the bridge?

1. People wanted the bridge built because it would be good for business.
2. People wanted the bridge built because it would be the longest bridge.
2. People wanted the bridge built because it would not cost very much.
4. People wanted the bridge built because it would look nice.