By 1860 the Midwest and the East were united by a network of
A. Roads
B. Railroad tracks***
C. Canals
D. Steam-powered ships
Am I correct? :)
I agree. B.
Thanks! :)
You're welcome, Anna.
Yes, you are correct! The Midwest and the East were indeed united by a network of railroad tracks by 1860.
To arrive at this answer, you could have employed a few strategies:
1. Knowledge-based approach: If you were familiar with the historical development of transportation infrastructure in the United States during the 19th century, you might know that the construction of the transcontinental railroad began in the 1860s. This project aimed to link the Midwest and the East with the West Coast, but it also involved the expansion and connection of existing railroads throughout the country.
2. Process of elimination: By eliminating the other options, you can narrow down your choices. We can eliminate options A and D (roads and steam-powered ships) because, in the mid-19th century, railroads were becoming a dominant mode of transportation, surpassing these alternatives in terms of efficiency and capacity. Option C (canals) can also be eliminated because although there were some canals connecting the Midwest and the East, such as the Erie Canal, their usage declined with the advent of railroads.
3. Contextual clues: Considering the time period specified (1860), you can gather hints from the historical context. The 1860s marked a crucial period in the development of railroads, as technological advancements and capital investments led to a rapid expansion of railroad networks, connecting various regions of the United States.
By utilizing these approaches, you can confidently conclude that option B, railroad tracks, is the correct answer.