Final answer:
The integration of coal mines and railroad networks in Indian Territory resulted in economic growth and improved coal transportation, but also caused environmental degradation due to the intensive mining activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The integration of coal mines and railroad networks in Indian Territory had several significant effects. The first effect was economic growth in the region, driven by the creation of jobs in the coal, iron, and steel industries and the development of a national market system. This expansion provided numerous Americans with employment opportunities and fueled the overall growth of American commerce.
The second effect was the improved transportation for coal, which was critical to the industrial expansion of the United States. Railroads provided the infrastructure necessary for the efficient transportation of coal and other resources, connecting hinterlands with port cities for resource exploitation and commercial trade. This extensive connectivity enabled the rapid movement of coal and other industrial materials to where they were needed most.
Conversely, an increased demand for these resources led to intense extraction activities, which often resulted in environmental degradation. Industrial growth and mining had severe consequences on the environment, including pollution and the destruction of landscapes. Efforts to address these issues were minimal in the early periods of industrial expansion.