A student wrote the following thesis statement for their history research paper: Because of the U.S. Civil War, the Texas cattle industry turned into a profitable nationwide industry. Which of the following statements identifies evidence that best supports this argument?(1 point) Responses An abundance of cattle existed in Texas after the Civil War, and ranchers needed to find ways to sell it to northern cities. An abundance of cattle existed in Texas after the Civil War, and ranchers needed to find ways to sell it to northern cities. A naval blockade of the Texas coast and Mississippi River during the Civil War resulted in more cattle being shipped to the western frontier. A naval blockade of the Texas coast and Mississippi River during the Civil War resulted in more cattle being shipped to the western frontier. Overhunting of buffalo resulted in more Indigenous people trading with ranchers to get cattle for food and other resources. Overhunting of buffalo resulted in more Indigenous people trading with ranchers to get cattle for food and other resources. Because slavery was abolished after the Civil War, cash crops were no longer the most important goods sold in the Texas economy.
Both of the first two statements provide evidence that supports the argument. The first statement explains that there was an abundance of cattle in Texas after the Civil War, and ranchers needed to find ways to sell it to northern cities. This suggests that the cattle industry was booming and expanding beyond local markets. The second statement explains that a naval blockade of the Texas coast and Mississippi River during the Civil War resulted in more cattle being shipped to the western frontier. This indicates that the blockade forced ranchers to find alternative markets for their cattle, thus contributing to the growth of the industry.
