Question

Which of the following statements best describes the condition of western

cattle ranching during the 1880s?
(A) Open-range grazing became standard practice.
(B) Cattle ranching was plagued with natural and man-made obstacles.
(C) Cattle ranching continued to be highly lucrative for small farmers.
(D) Cattle ranching limited the land available for farmers to settle.
(E) Cattle ranching was extremely lucrative for cowboys.

Answer 1

Cattle ranching in the 1880s faced obstacles such as the end of open-range ranching, dominance by eastern businessmen, and the rise of commercial meatpacking, making choice B the best description.

Step-by-step explanation:

The condition of western cattle ranching during the 1880s is best described by the statement that it was plagued with natural and man-made obstacles (B). The era saw the decline of open-range ranching as land was developed, grazing opportunities diminished, and barbed wire fencing allowed ranchers to section off their properties. As a result, cattle ranching grew increasingly dominated by eastern businessmen and capital investors, thus ending the reign of the cattle drives. Small ranchers faced numerous challenges, including large ranchers and vigilante justice. Moreover, the introduction of commercial meatpacking facilities by Armour and Swift contributed to the further industrialization of ranching and weakened the position of local butchers and small-scale operations.

Answer 2

The best option regarding the condition of western cattle ranching during the 1880s would be that "(D) Cattle ranching limited the land available for farmers to settle," since this was a period of high migration and settlement from the east.