Final answer:
The length of fence posts for barbed wire fencing is generally taller than those for chain link fences to accommodate multiple wire strands and contain livestock, while chain link uses a woven fabric that can be supported with shorter posts for different security purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between the length of fence posts for barbed wire fencing and chain link fencing primarily depends on the purpose and the terrain of the area where the fencing is to be installed. Barbed wire fences generally use taller posts since they are often used to contain livestock and are expected to have several strands of wire stretched between the posts.
On the other hand, chain link fences may use shorter posts because the chain link fabric itself provides a secure barrier, and the purpose of the fence may differ, such as perimeter security for a residential area or a school.
Barbed wire fencing was instrumental in the history of the American West, changing the way land was used and ending the era of open grazing. The introduction of barbed wire fencing led to significant social and economic changes, often resulting in tension and conflict as evidenced in events like the Fence Cutting War in Texas. Ultimately, barbed wire fencing offered a cheaper and more efficient means of land demarcation compared to previous methods, providing a clear indication of property boundaries, albeit at the cost of free-range ranching and access to communal resources.