Final answer:
The cattle industry was developed by Spanish colonists who first introduced longhorn cattle in regions like Texas and later by eastern businessmen and cattle ranchers in the US, who transformed it into a larger big business operation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Of the "groups" we studied, which one created the cattle industry? The cattle industry was largely developed due to the efforts of Spanish colonists and later by eastern businessmen and cattle ranchers in the United States. Initially, Spanish missionaries introduced longhorn cattle to areas such as Texas, New Mexico, and California. However, with the end of the Civil War in the United States, a significant transformation occurred.
The completion of the transcontinental railroad, along with subsequent rail lines, made it profitable for cattle ranchers to round up the wild steers in Texas and transport them by rail to eastern markets. This led to rampant speculation and growth in the cattle industry, making and losing many fortunes. Furthermore, innovations such as barbed wire and the emergence of large-scale commercial meatpacking facilities by businessmen like Philip Armour and Gustavus Swift catalyzed the transition from individual ranching to big business operations.