Increase in Railroad Mileage
| | 1850 | 1860 | 1870 | 1880 | 1890 |
| :------------- | :----- | :----- | :----- | :----- | :----- |
| New England | 2,507 | 3,860 | 4,494 | 5,982 | 6,801 |
| Middle States | 3,202 | 6,705 | 10,964 | 15,872 | 21,536 |
| Southern States| 2,036 | 8,838 | 11,192 | 14,778 | 29,209 |
| Western States | 1,276 | 11,400 | 24,587 | 52,589 | 62,394 |
| Pacific States | | 23 | 1,677 | 4,080 | 9,804 |
| | 9,021 | 30,625 | 52,914 | 93,301 | 128,774|
An increase in railroad mileage in an area led to great economic growth in that area. Between 1870 and 1890, which area had the greatest increase in railroads and, as a result, the most significant economic growth?
A. New England
Answer (1)
Calculate the increase in railroad mileage for each area by subtracting the 1870 mileage from the 1890 mileage.
New England: 6801 − 4494 = 2307
Middle States: 21536 − 10964 = 10572
Southern States: 29209 − 11192 = 18017
Western States and Territories: 62394 − 24587 = 37807
Pacific States and Territories: 9804 − 1677 = 8127
Identify the area with the largest increase: Western States and Territories with an increase of 37807 .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are given a table showing railroad mileage in different areas of the US from 1850 to 1890. The problem states that an increase in railroad mileage led to economic growth, and we need to find the area with the greatest increase in railroad mileage between 1870 and 1890.
Calculating the Increase in Mileage To find the area with the greatest increase, we need to calculate the increase in mileage for each area between 1870 and 1890. This involves subtracting the mileage in 1870 from the mileage in 1890 for each area.
Performing the Subtractions Let's calculate the increase for each area:
New England: 6801 − 4494 = 2307
Middle States: 21536 − 10964 = 10572
Southern States: 29209 − 11192 = 18017
Western States and Territories: 62394 − 24587 = 37807
Pacific States and Territories: 9804 − 1677 = 8127
Comparing the Increases Now, we compare the increases in mileage for all areas:
New England: 2307
Middle States: 10572
Southern States: 18017
Western States and Territories: 37807
Pacific States and Territories: 8127
The largest increase is 37807, which occurred in the Western States and Territories.
Final Answer Therefore, the area with the greatest increase in railroad mileage between 1870 and 1890 was the Western States and Territories. This area likely experienced the most significant economic growth during that period due to the expansion of its railroad network.
Examples
The expansion of railroads in the 19th century significantly impacted economic growth. For example, consider a region planning infrastructure development. By analyzing historical data on railroad expansion and correlating it with economic indicators like population growth, industrial output, and agricultural productivity, planners can make informed decisions about where to invest in transportation infrastructure to maximize economic benefits. This approach helps in strategically allocating resources to stimulate growth in specific areas, mirroring the historical impact of railroads on regional economies.
