\begin{tabular}{|l|c|c|c|c|c|}
\hline
\begin{tabular}{l}
New \\
England
\end{tabular} & 2,507 & 3,660 & 4,494 & 5,982 & 6,831 \\
\hline
\begin{tabular}{l}
Middle \\
States
\end{tabular} & 3,202 & 6,705 & 10,964 & 15,872 & 21,536 \\
\hline
\begin{tabular}{l}
Southern \\
States
\end{tabular} & 2,036 & 8,838 & 11,192 & 14,778 & 29,209 \\
\hline
\begin{tabular}{l}
Western \\
States and
\end{tabular} & 1,276 & 11,400 & 24,587 & 52,589 & 62,394 \\
\hline
\begin{tabular}{l}
Pacific \\
States and \\
Territories
\end{tabular} & & 23 & 1,677 & 4,060 & 9,804 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

An increase in railroad mileage in an area led to great economic growth in that area.

Between 1870 and 1890, which area had the greatest increase in railroads and, as a result, the most significant economic growth?

A. New England

B. The South

C. Western states and territories

D. The Middle States



Answer :

To determine which area had the greatest increase in railroad mileage between 1870 and 1890, we need to compare the mileage over these two time points for each area. Here is the initial and final railroad mileage for each region based on the data provided:

| Area | Initial Mileage (1870) | Final Mileage (1890) |
|----------------------------|------------------------|----------------------|
| New England | 2,507 | 6,831 |
| Middle States | 3,202 | 21,536 |
| Southern States | 2,036 | 29,209 |
| Western States and Territories | 1,276 | 62,394 |
| Pacific States and Territories | 0 | 9,804 |

Next, we calculate the increase in railroad mileage for each area by subtracting the initial mileage from the final mileage.

1. New England:
[tex]\[ 6831 - 2507 = 4324 \][/tex]

2. Middle States:
[tex]\[ 21536 - 3202 = 18334 \][/tex]

3. Southern States:
[tex]\[ 29209 - 2036 = 27173 \][/tex]

4. Western States and Territories:
[tex]\[ 62394 - 1276 = 61118 \][/tex]

5. Pacific States and Territories:
[tex]\[ 9804 - 0 = 9804 \][/tex]

Comparing these increases, we see:

- New England: 4324 miles
- Middle States: 18334 miles
- Southern States: 27173 miles
- Western States and Territories: 61118 miles
- Pacific States and Territories: 9804 miles

The area with the greatest increase in railroad mileage is Western States and Territories, with an increase of 61,118 miles.

Therefore, between 1870 and 1890, the Western states and territories had the greatest increase in railroads and, as a result, the most significant economic growth.