Final answer:
The state bordered by the Mississippi River on the west and the Ohio River on the south, with the Illinois and Wabash Rivers, is Illinois, admitted to the Union in 1818. The Ohio River Valley was a historical fault line in sectional struggles, and the rivers have been crucial in state development and transportation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The state with the Mississippi River on the western border, the Ohio River on the southern border, and both the Illinois River and the Wabash River is Illinois. Illinois was admitted to the Union in 1818, following the admission of Indiana in 1816. Ohio, an earlier addition to the Union, was admitted in 1803. The presence of these rivers has been significant in the historical development and transportation systems of these states, especially considering the problems associated with moving goods and people efficiently, as experienced prior to the 19th century.
When analyzing the history of the region, it's important to note the Ohio River Valley's role as a contentious borderland, where laws were enacted to restrict the rights of African Americans. This area also highlights the evolving boundaries of American expansion, marked by negotiations and the push for internal improvements for travel and transport. The Mississippi River has been a defining feature for states like Illinois, playing a crucial role in shaping the country's westward expansion.