Question

Question 7

Feature
Question refers to the following maps.

The figure presents two maps of the eastern, southern, and midwestern regions of the United States. The map on the left is titled “Travel Times from New York City, 1800.” The map on the right is titled “Travel Times from New York City, 1857.” Both maps depict concentric regions extending westward from New York City, where the amount of time to travel to certain parts of the United States are associated with each region. In 1800, the travel times from New York City to parts of the Northeast ranged from 1 day to 2 weeks and from 2 weeks to 6 weeks to parts of the South and Midwest. The travel time to New Orleans was approximately 4 weeks. In 1857, the travel times from New York City to all parts of the Northeast was 1 day and ranged from 2 days to 1 week to parts of the South and Midwest. The travel time to New Orleans was approximately 5 days. The travel time to Chicago was approximately 2 days.



Question
In the 1850s, which of the following groups would have been most likely to benefit from the changes depicted on the maps?

Responses

Immigrants from western Europe

Immigrants from western Europe

American Indians

American Indians

Mexicans who remained in the southwestern United States

Mexicans who remained in the southwestern United States

African Americans

Answer 1

Faster travel in the 1850s due to advancements in transportation infrastructure most benefited European immigrants by reducing travel time, increasing economic opportunities, facilitating land ownership, and improving communication.

Based on the information provided in the question, the group most likely to benefit from the changes depicted on the maps in the 1850s would be Immigrants from western Europe.

Here's why:

Reduced travel time: The maps show that travel times from New York City to various parts of the country significantly decreased in the 1850s. This made it easier and faster for immigrants from western Europe to reach their destinations in the United States, facilitating migration and settlement.

Increased economic opportunities: Faster travel facilitated trade and economic activity. This likely created more job opportunities in various sectors, which would have been attractive to newly arrived immigrants seeking employment and a better life.

Accessibility of land: The expansion of transportation networks, particularly railroads, opened up access to previously inaccessible land in the West. This provided opportunities for immigrants to acquire land and establish farms or businesses.

Improved communication and connection: Faster travel times allowed for improved communication and connection between different parts of the country. This would have been beneficial for immigrants wanting to stay in touch with family and friends back home or to connect with established communities of their countrymen in the United States.

While other groups might have also benefited from the changes to some extent, the advantages for immigrants from western Europe seem more substantial and direct.

Here's why the other options are less likely:

American Indians: The changes likely benefited American Indians only minimally, if at all. While some may have gained access to new markets for their goods or services, the expansion of transportation networks also facilitated the further displacement and dispossession of indigenous communities.

Mexicans in the southwestern US: The changes depicted primarily focused on the eastern and central parts of the country, having less direct impact on Mexicans in the southwestern United States. While there may have been some economic benefits, the expansion of American settlement into the southwest also led to conflict and land loss for the Mexican population.

African Americans: While the changes might have indirectly benefited some African Americans by creating new economic opportunities, the vast majority still faced significant discrimination and limited opportunities for advancement. Their overall situation wouldn't have drastically improved due to changes primarily benefitting white immigrants and westward expansion.

Therefore, considering the reduced travel times, increased economic opportunities, accessibility of land, and improved communication, Immigrants from western Europe are most likely the group that benefited significantly from the changes depicted on the maps in the 1850s.