Question

1. what was meant by the \closing\ of the western frontier?

the decision by the united states government to prevent additional settlement
the failure of american railroad companies to establish cities and towns out west
the evacuation of many western towns due to attacks from native americans
the settlement of most of the land between the east and west coasts

Explanation:

Define the "closing" of the frontier

The "closing" of the Western frontier refers to a milestone noted in the 1890 United States Census. The Census Bureau announced that there was no longer a clear, continuous line of unsettled land in the American West.

Analyze the historical context

Throughout the 19th century, the frontier was defined as the outer margin of settled territory. By 1890, rapid settlement, fueled by the Homestead Act and transcontinental railroads, populated the interior regions. This meant that the vast open land between the East and West Coasts had been largely settled.

Evaluate the given options

• Option 1: The government did not decide to prevent additional settlement; rather, settlement occurred naturally and rapidly.
• Option 2: Railroad companies were highly successful, not failures, in establishing towns and connecting regions.
• Option 3: There was no mass evacuation of Western towns due to Native American attacks at this point in history.
• Option 4: This option correctly describes the settlement of the vast interior lands, meaning a distinct frontier line no longer existed.

Answer:

• the decision by the United States government to prevent additional settlement
• the failure of American railroad companies to establish cities and towns out west
• the evacuation of many Western towns due to attacks from Native Americans
• the settlement of most of the land between the East and West Coasts (Correct answer)