Question

In hopes of achieving ideals of self-sufficiency and independence, migrants moved to both rural and boomtown areas of the West for opportunities, such as

a) building the railroads,
b) mining,
c) farming,
d) ranching.

Answer 1

Migrants moved to both rural and boomtown areas of the West for opportunities such as building railroads, mining, farming, and ranching.

Step-by-step explanation:

Migrants moved to both rural and boomtown areas of the West for opportunities such as building railroads, mining, farming, and ranching.

The expansion of the railroad and better farm equipment in the 1870s allowed large farms to succeed through economies of scale, while small farms struggled. Mining and cattle also played significant roles in shaping the West, attracting individuals looking to strike it rich. As resources diminished, big business took over and transformed small towns into thriving cities.

Westward migration was spurred by events like the California Gold Rush and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. Homestead farming was the primary goal of most settlers, but some sought quick fortunes through mining and ranching. The settlement of the West resulted in a clash of cultures and traditions.