Question

select all the correct answers.
what were two factors that contributed to the end of the open range on the western frontier?

□ the invention and promotion of barbed wire to restrict cattle roaming
□ a shortage of cowboys to tend to, drive, and sell the cattle
□ overgrazing on plains by sheep and cattle that led to the destruction of the land
□ two summers with rainfall that led to floods that killed most of the plains cattle

Explanation:

• Barbed wire: The invention and promotion of barbed wire restricted cattle roaming, which was a key factor as it allowed for the enclosure of land, thus ending the open - range system.
• Overgrazing: Overgrazing by sheep and cattle led to the destruction of the land. When the land was overgrazed, it could no longer support the large herds that roamed freely in the open - range system.

• The shortage of cowboys was not a major factor in ending the open range. Cowboys were still needed for various ranching operations even after the open range ended. And two summers of heavy rainfall leading to floods killing cattle was a short - term and more of a natural disaster - related event rather than a fundamental factor in ending the open - range system which was more about land use and enclosure.

Answer:

• The invention and promotion of barbed wire to restrict cattle roaming.
• Overgrazing on plains by sheep and cattle that led to the destruction of the land.