To determine which area had the greatest increase in railroad mileage between 1870 and 1890, we'll use the data provided in the table. We'll compare the mileage in 1870 and 1890 for each region, calculate the increase in mileage, and identify the area with the maximum increase.
Let's break it down step by step:
1. Extract the Railroad Mileage Data for 1870 and 1890:
- New England: 1870 = 4,494 miles, 1890 = 6,831 miles
- Middle States: 1870 = 10,964 miles, 1890 = 21,536 miles
- Southern States: 1870 = 11,192 miles, 1890 = 29,209 miles
- Western States and Territories: 1870 = 24,587 miles, 1890 = 62,394 miles
- Pacific States and Territories: 1870 = 1,677 miles, 1890 = 9,804 miles
2. Calculate the Increase in Railroad Mileage for Each Area:
- New England: [tex]\(6,831 - 4,494 = 2,337\)[/tex] miles
- Middle States: [tex]\(21,536 - 10,964 = 10,572\)[/tex] miles
- Southern States: [tex]\(29,209 - 11,192 = 18,017\)[/tex] miles
- Western States and Territories: [tex]\(62,394 - 24,587 = 37,807\)[/tex] miles
- Pacific States and Territories: [tex]\(9,804 - 1,677 = 8,127\)[/tex] miles
3. List the Calculated Increases:
- New England: 2,337 miles
- Middle States: 10,572 miles
- Southern States: 18,017 miles
- Western States and Territories: 37,807 miles
- Pacific States and Territories: 8,127 miles
4. Identify the Area with the Greatest Increase:
- From the calculated increases, the Western States and Territories had the greatest increase in railroad mileage between 1870 and 1890, which is 37,807 miles.
Therefore, the Western States and Territories experienced the most significant economic growth, as they had the greatest increase in railroad mileage from 1870 to 1890.
