Which of the following geographic factors allowed san francisco to develop into a major urban center in the 1800s? a. the city's numerous hills allowed the land to be suitable for industrial development. b. san francisco has a large, natural harbor where many large boats can dock. c. the city's beaches and accessible shoreline caused people to settle in the area. d. san francisco's terrain made it easy for businesses and housing to be built in the area.

The correct answer is B) San Francisco has a large, natural harbor where many large boats can dock.

The following geographic factors allowed San Francisco to develop into a major urban center in the 1800s: San Francisco has a large, natural harbor where many large boats can dock.

The first white people coming from the East that arrived at the San Francisco Bay were the members of the Portola Expedition in 1769. In 1776,  a Spanish congregation established a Franciscan mission in the area. With the Gold Rush of 1848, many people started to arrive in San Francisco, including the so-called, "49ers."

Due to the many immigrants from Asia, San Francisco had to establish an immigration office on January 21, 1910, on Angel Island. The office operated until November 1940.