Question

Which of the following was true of early American railroads?

a. They were concentrated in the Southeast.
b. They cooperated with each other to facilitate growth.
c. They were only affordable to the richest passengers.
d. They had different schedules, depots, and equipment.

Answer 1

Early American railroads transformed the transportation infrastructure and facilitated a national market system. They were not concentrated in the Southeast and cooperated with each other while also having differences in schedules, depots, and equipment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The early American railroads had a significant impact on the country's economy in the mid-19th century. They transformed the transportation infrastructure, linking port cities to the interior and facilitating the emergence of a national market system. Contrary to option a, the railroads were not concentrated in the Southeast but expanded across the country. Option b is partially true; while individual railroad companies competed with each other, they also cooperated to establish common standards like track gauges and schedules. Option c is incorrect as rail travel was not only affordable to the richest passengers, but it also provided a more accessible mode of transportation for a wider range of people. The correct answer is option d; early American railroads had different schedules, depots, and equipment as the system was still being developed.