Question

Why did the ranchers want to get the cattle to the Northern and Eastern states?

A) To avoid droughts and harsh winters in Texas
B) To take advantage of better grazing land and higher cattle prices
C) To expand their ranching operations
D) To explore new markets for beef in foreign countries

Answer 1

Ranchers wanted to get the cattle to the Northern and Eastern states to take advantage of better grazing land and higher cattle prices.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ranchers wanted to get the cattle to the Northern and Eastern states primarily B) to take advantage of better grazing land and higher cattle prices. The completion of the first transcontinental railroad and subsequent railroad lines made it profitable for ranchers to round up the wild steers and transport them by rail to be sold in the East. Eastern businessmen realized the potential for profit in the cattle industry, leading to rampant speculation and the rise of cowboys and cattle drives.