An increase in railroad mileage in an area led to great economic growth in that area. Between 1870 and 1890, which area had the greatest increase in railroads and, as a result, the most significant economic growth?
| New England | 2,507 | 3,660 | 4,494 | 5,982 | 6,831 |
| :-------------------------------- | :----- | :----- | :----- | :----- | :----- |
| Middle States | 3,202 | 6,705 | 10,964 | 15,872 | 21,536 |
| Southern States | 2,036 | 8,838 | 11,192 | 14,778 | 29,209 |
| Western States and Territories | 1,276 | 11,400 | 24,587 | 52,589 | 62,394 |
| Pacific States and Territories | | 23 | 1,677 | 4,080 | 9,804 |
| | 9,021 | 30,626 | 52,914 | 93,301 | 129,774|
A. New England
B. the South
C. Western states and territories
D. the middle states
Answer (2)
The Western States and Territories experienced the greatest increase in railroad mileage between 1870 and 1890, with an increase of 23,311 miles. This significant expansion in railroads is closely linked to the economic growth during that period. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Western states and territories.
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Calculate the increase in railroad mileage for each area by subtracting the 1870 mileage from the 1890 mileage.
New England: 4494 − 2507 = 1987
Middle States: 10964 − 3202 = 7762
Southern States: 11192 − 2036 = 9156
Western States and Territories: 24587 − 1276 = 23311
Pacific States and Territories: 1677 − 23 = 1654
Identify the area with the largest increase, which is the Western States and Territories with 23,311 miles. Therefore, the final answer is Western states and territories.
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given a table showing railroad mileage in different areas of the US at different times. The question asks us to determine which area had the greatest increase in railroad mileage between 1870 and 1890, as this increase is associated with significant economic growth.
Calculating the Increase in Mileage To find the area with the greatest increase, we need to calculate the increase in railroad mileage for each area between 1870 and 1890. This involves subtracting the mileage in 1870 from the mileage in 1890 for each region.
Performing the Subtractions Let's calculate the increase for each area:
New England: 4494 − 2507 = 1987
Middle States: 10964 − 3202 = 7762
Southern States: 11192 − 2036 = 9156
Western States and Territories: 24587 − 1276 = 23311
Pacific States and Territories: 1677 − 23 = 1654
Identifying the Largest Increase Comparing the increases, we see that the Western States and Territories had the largest increase in railroad mileage between 1870 and 1890, with an increase of 23,311 miles.
Conclusion Therefore, the area with the greatest increase in railroads between 1870 and 1890, and thus the most significant economic growth, is the Western States and Territories.
Examples
The growth of railroads in the 19th century is a classic example of how infrastructure development can drive economic expansion. Imagine you're developing a new city. Investing in a modern transportation system, like a subway or a network of highways, can connect different parts of the city, making it easier for people to get to work, for businesses to receive supplies, and for consumers to access goods and services. This increased connectivity can lead to more jobs, higher property values, and a better quality of life for residents, just like the railroads did for the Western States and Territories.
