Question

how did the completion of the transcontinental railroad affect companies that made products?
○ companies could hire people who worked in different states.
○ companies could build factories in the rural west.
○ companies could expand into the south.
○ companies could ship goods cheaply over long distances.

Explanation:

The Transcontinental Railroad's main impact on product - making companies was related to transportation of goods. Hiring across states (first option) is more about labor market access, not the railroad's core for product companies. Building factories in rural West (second option) isn't a direct result of the railroad's completion for most product companies. Expanding into the South (third option) isn't directly tied to the transcontinental railroad (which connected East and West). The railroad allowed for cheaper long - distance shipping of goods, which is crucial for product - making companies to distribute their products.

Answer:

D. Companies could ship goods cheaply over long distances.