Final answer:
The late 1800s Great Plains environment was ideal for raising cattle, an industry that thrived due to suitable grazing conditions and the development of transportation infrastructure like railroads and 'cow towns'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Plains in the late 1800s provided an environment that was best suited for raising cattle. The region's dryness, characterized by less than 20 inches of rain per year and large flatlands, made it inefficient for growing crops like corn and soybeans but ideal for cattle ranching. Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, California, and Oklahoma, with their vast dry flatlands, became leaders in cattle production owing to this suitability. This industry thrived, in part, due to the availability of open prairies and grasslands, which are perfect for grazing cattle. Over time, the expansion of the railroad system and the development of 'cow towns' facilitated the transportation and sale of cattle, bolstering the industry further.