Question

mod-fall final part i
population of select western cities, 1860-1890
name of city | population in 1860 | population in 1890
denver, colorado | 2,603 | 106,713
omaha, nebraska | 1,883 | 140,352
portland, oregon | 2,874 | 46,385
san francisco, california | 56,802 | 298,997
source: population abstract of the united states
what was the effect of the transcontinental railroad on these western cities?
○ these cities became corrupt and crime-ridden
○ railroads had little impact on these cities
○ the population of western cities increased greatly

Explanation:

To determine the effect of the Transcontinental Railroad, we analyze the population data. For example, Denver’s population went from 2,603 (1860) to 106,713 (1890), Omaha from 1,883 to 140,352, Portland from 2,874 to 46,385, and San Francisco from 56,802 to 298,997. All these show a large population increase. The first option about corruption/crime isn’t supported by the population data. The second option (little impact) is incorrect as populations grew significantly. So the correct option is the one stating population increased greatly.

Answer:

The population of Western cities increased greatly