Question

Reread these two excerpts from "The Pony Express" Chapter 1 and answer the question that follows:

The Pacific Coast was of the deepest concern to the Union. Situated at a distance of nearly two thousand miles from the Missouri River which was then the nation's western frontier, this intervening space comprised trackless plains, almost impenetrable ranges of snow-capped mountains, and parched alkali deserts.
California, even then, was the jewel of the Pacific. Having a considerable population, great natural wealth, and unsurpassed climate and fertility, she was jealously desired by both the North and the South.
These two excerpts focus mainly on
A. the physical characteristics of California
B. the North's plans to defeat the South in California
C. the reasons why California was ignored by the North and the South
D. the effects of war on the resources in California

Answer 1

the physical characteristics of California

Step-by-step explanation:

just took the test and got it right

Answer 2

A. The physical characteristics of California.

Step-by-step explanation:

Glenn D. Bradley's "The Story of the Pony Express" details the history of the Pony Express and how it was an important part of the Civil War, especially for the Union. The book is a collection of short stories regarding the remarkable mail service during the war.

The two excerpts from the first chapter of the book talk about the physical characteristics of California. The first excerpt mentioned how the "Pacific Coast ... situated at a distance of nearly two thousand miles from the Missouri River ... comprised trackless plains, almost impenetrable ranges of snow-capped mountains, and parched alkali deserts." Likewise, the second excerpt talked of California as "the jewel of the Pacific", possessing "great natural wealth and unsurpassed climate and fertility".

Thus, the correct answer is option A.