Question

question 3 of 10

which statement is the most likely conclusion you can draw from the cause-and-effect relationship shown in the diagram?

cause: the transcontinental railroad is completed in 1869.
effect: the population of cities in the american west grows.

a. the transcontinental railroad made it easier for more american settlers to move west.
b. most american settlers considered the transcontinental railroad a failure.
c. most american settlers refused to travel on the transcontinental railroad.
d. the transcontinental railroad made it harder for more american settlers to move west.

Explanation:

Analyze the cause-and-effect diagram

The diagram shows a direct relationship:

• Cause: The Transcontinental Railroad is completed in 1869.
• Effect: The population of cities in the American West grows.

We need to find the statement that logically connects this cause and effect.

Evaluate the options

• Option A: If the railroad made it easier for settlers to move west, this directly explains why the population of western cities grew following its completion. This is a highly logical conclusion.
• Option B: If settlers considered it a failure, it would not lead to population growth in western cities.
• Option C: If settlers refused to travel on it, it would not contribute to the growth of western cities.
• Option D: If the railroad made it harder to move west, it would contradict the effect of growing western city populations.

Connect to historical context

Using the Transcontinental Railroad Impact knowledge point, we know that the completion of the railroad in 1869 dramatically reduced travel times across the continent from months to days. This infrastructure breakthrough made westward migration significantly safer, cheaper, and more accessible, directly fueling the rapid population growth and urbanization of the American West. Therefore, Option A is the most accurate and logical conclusion.

Answer:

• (A) The Transcontinental Railroad made it easier for more American settlers to move west. (Correct answer)
• (B) Most American settlers considered the Transcontinental Railroad a failure.
• (C) Most American settlers refused to travel on the Transcontinental Railroad.
• (D) The Transcontinental Railroad made it harder for more American settlers to move west.