Final answer:
Mechanization and modernization played a crucial role in the development of the West in mining, ranching, and farming.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mechanization and modernization played a significant role in the development of the West. In mining, for example, the use of machinery like steam engines and drills enabled miners to extract valuable minerals more efficiently and on a larger scale. This led to the growth of mining towns and the extraction of vast amounts of resources. Similarly, in ranching, the introduction of barbed wire and mechanized equipment for branding and herding made it easier to raise and manage large herds of cattle. This allowed ranchers to expand their operations and increase their profits. In farming, mechanization brought advancements like the mechanized seed drill and improved farm equipment, which greatly increased productivity and allowed for larger-scale farming operations, leading to increased agricultural output in the West.