USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Railroads were an important technological advance that made it possible to settle the West. They could bring in supplies at an affordable price. They also made it possible for farmers to ship out their crops and ranchers to ship out their cattle.

Detailed explanation-2: -Answer and Explanation: During the 19th century, the technologies that most influenced westward expansion were the telegraph and railroad.

Detailed explanation-3: -Gold rush and mining opportunities (silver in Nevada) The opportunity to work in the cattle industry; to be a “cowboy” Faster travel to the West by railroad; availability of supplies due to the railroad. The opportunity to own land cheaply under the Homestead Act.

Detailed explanation-4: -Inventions helped determine the very shape of the West. The telegraph instantly connected Americans across thousands of miles; railroads killed some towns and gave birth to others; the gun quickly established the settlers’ dominance over the country; and barbed wire created vast ranching empires.