Final answer:
The development of the Great Plains during the Gilded Age was influenced by the transcontinental railroad, European immigration, the discovery of gold and silver, and other factors like the Homestead Act, all within the broader context of industrialization and westward expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Gilded Age, several factors contributed to the development of the Great Plains of the American West. The introduction of the transcontinental railroad was a critical infrastructure development that facilitated the massive movement of people and goods. It supported both agricultural expansion and the transportation of mineral resources, advancing industrialization. Moreover, an influx of immigration from European countries provided the labor force required for the burgeoning industries and agricultural enterprises. The discovery of gold and silver deposits attracted a variety of settlers looking to strike it rich, which stimulated economic activities and settlements in the region. Concurrently, the formation of labor unions was a response to the exploitative labor conditions within the new industrial and agricultural systems, shaping the social and economic landscapes.
It's important to note that while small farms faced hardship, the invention of better farm equipment along with railway expansion meant that large farms could thrive through economies of scale. Activities such as mining and cattle ranching also played significant roles, contributing to the unique character and economy of the Great Plains. The U.S. government aided this transformation with actions like the passage of the Homestead Act of 1862, which offered land to settlers. This act was a strategic move not only to promote agriculture but also to populate areas with people who supported the idea of free soil, opposing the westward spread of slavery.
The final answer to the student's question is that the development of the Great Plains was shaped by a combination of the transcontinental railroad, immigration, the quest for mineral resources, and assorted economic endeavors including agriculture, all within the broader scope of westward expansion and industrialization.