Question

between 1970 and 1990, which area had the greatest amount of railroad expansion?
new england
the southern states
the western states
the middle states

Explanation:

To determine which area had the greatest railroad expansion between 1870 and 1890, we calculate the difference in railroad length (in miles) for each region:

New England

1890: \( 3,828 \)
1870: \( 2,596 \)
Difference: \( 3,828 - 2,596 = 1,232 \)

Middle States

1890: \( 27,533 \)
1870: \( 12,260 \)
Difference: \( 27,533 - 12,260 = 15,273 \)

Southern States

1890: \( 29,209 \)
1870: \( 21,000 \)
Difference: \( 29,209 - 21,000 = 8,209 \)

Western States and Territories

1890: \( 62,223 \)
1870: \( 1,273 \)
Difference: \( 62,223 - 1,273 = 60,950 \)

Pacific States and Territories

1890: \( 5,348 \)
1870: \( 23 \)
Difference: \( 5,348 - 23 = 5,325 \)

Comparing the differences: \( 60,950 \) (Western) \( > 15,273 \) (Middle) \( > 8,209 \) (Southern) \( > 5,325 \) (Pacific) \( > 1,232 \) (New England).

Answer:

The Western States and Territories had the greatest railroad expansion between 1870 and 1890.