4) Which of the following did not account for the development of the cattle industry in the 1870s & 1880s?

a) growth of a transportation network.
b) the ability to raise large herds on smaller plots of land.
c) Overgrazing resulted in larger higher sale price cattle.
d) Low capital investments. (my answer)

I say this because a.) growth from railroads b.) barbed wire invented so they could trap large herds but I couldn't find any information in my text on C or D

I am no expert but in this period of westward expansion of cattle range after the Civil War I think both c and d are appropriate answers.

Thanks for trying

To find the correct answer to this question, let's analyze each of the options:

a) Growth of a transportation network: The growth of a transportation network, particularly the expansion of railroads, played a significant role in the development of the cattle industry in the 1870s and 1880s. Railroads allowed for the easier and faster transportation of cattle from the ranches to the markets, opening up new markets for cattle and helping the industry to expand. Therefore, we can conclude that this option accounted for the development of the cattle industry.

b) The ability to raise large herds on smaller plots of land: This option refers to the invention of barbed wire, which allowed ranchers to enclose their land and control the movement of cattle. With the ability to raise large herds on smaller plots of land, ranchers could increase their productivity and profitability. Thus, this option also accounted for the development of the cattle industry.

c) Overgrazing resulting in larger higher sale price cattle: Overgrazing generally refers to the excessive grazing of animals on a particular area of land, which can lead to environmental degradation and a decrease in available vegetation. While overgrazing could potentially result in larger and higher-priced cattle due to competition for limited resources, it is not a direct factor that accounted for the development of the cattle industry.

d) Low capital investments: This option suggests that low capital investments did not account for the development of the cattle industry. To confirm if this is true or not, we need to consider if cattle industry required high capital investments or not. In the 1870s and 1880s, the cattle industry was highly capital-intensive, as it involved significant costs for breeding, acquiring land, purchasing cattle, and financing transportation. However, to be certain, it is essential to consult reliable sources or historical records for more information on the capital investments in the cattle industry during that time.

Based on the analysis, both options a) and b) can be confirmed as factors that accounted for the development of the cattle industry. Option c) is not directly related to the development of the industry, and option d) requires further research or historical records to determine if low capital investments played a role in the industry's development.